Title: Knowledge and beliefs on antimicrobial resistance among clinicians: Step towards antibiotics stewardship

Biography:

Rucha Ridhorkar is a third year student pursuing her MBBS at NKPSIMS, Nagpur,India. She has a bright academic record securing honors in six subjects of the medical course, namely (Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Forensic medicine & toxicology). She has a research-oriented mind and has successfully conducted the NKP STS 2017 research on Antimicrobial Resistance for which she was awarded with a scholarship.Her work on establishing role of a medical student in antibiotic stewardship is a multifactorial approach where the knowledge and beliefs of clinicians about antimicrobial usage are assessed, thus helping  in formulation of efficient antimicrobial practices.

Abstract

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance is well recognized as a global threat to human health. Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials. There is a need for increased education and awareness about inappropriate use of antimicrobials amongst the public and healthcare professionals. Hence this study was planned to conduct a survey, to assess the knowledge and beliefs on antibiotic resistance amongst the clinicians. 100 clinicians were included in this study which included physicians, pediatricians. Surgeons and Gynecologists and obstetricians. A structured questionnaire was provided online to the participants. More than 90% of physicians followed by 81% of pediatricians strongly agree that ignorance to antibiogram while prescribing antibiotics is a crucial aspect is promoting antimicrobial resistance. Need of regular CMEs on proper antimicrobial usage was unanimously agreed upon by all 4 groups. Our study showed that 90% of the pediatricians and physicians agree to poor hand washing and poor infection control practices being the factors responsible for contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Failure to properly diagnose patient’s infective conditions for diagnosis of infectious diseases was reasons agreed upon by 60% of surgeons and gynecologists and 90%of physicians and pediatricians. 81% pediatricians and 60% of physicians felt that patient’s demand for antibiotics being contributory. However, 90% of all four groups agreed upon patients failing to adhere to treatment and discontinuing prescribed antibiotics midway the treatment being a significant cause.