Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic resistance among physicians and nurses in Italian intensive care: A multicenter cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Italian intensive-care physicians and nurses with respect to antibiotic resistance. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted of 20 Italian intensive care units, supported by an online validated questionnaire. Results: A total of 143 participants took part, mainly nurses (79.7%). Most respondents were between 26 and 45 y old (62.9%), with more than 6 y of service (about 71%). Some 90% of those who took part stated that they were aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and had easy access to guidelines and information materials on the subject. On the other hand, a high level of disagreement, mostly among nurses, emerged in relation to knowledge of the existence of national plans for the fight against AMR (62.9%) or the presence of international information campaigns (80%). A majority (76%) said they had received no specific training in the past 12 months. Most physicians (70%-90%) showed faith in their ability to prescribe, trusted guidelines, and recognized their role in antibiotic resistance by considering it while prescribing antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for targeted training interventions, especially for nurses, and the importance of involving all healthcare professionals in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Keywords

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Intensive care unit
• Knowledge-attitude-practice
• Nurse
• Survey