Health Professionals' Perceptions On The Establishment Of An Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme At A Tertiary Hospital In Gauteng Province South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Tracks
Meeting Room 1.61 - 1.62
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 |
| 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM |
Overview
Speaker: Dr Hermenegilda Madeira
Speaker
Dr Hermenegilda Madeira
National Health Laboratory Services
Health Professionals' Perceptions On The Establishment Of An Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme At A Tertiary Hospital In Gauteng Province South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Background
Antibiotic resistance, driven by inappropriate antibiotic use, is a global health concern. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are recommended to combat this issue. Understanding current prescribing practices and identifying barriers and facilitators at health care facilities are critical for effective implementation. This study explores health professionals' perceptions of establishing an ASP in a tertiary hospital in Gauteng and assesses implementation challenges and enablers.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng. Sixteen in-depth interviews with nurses, medical interns, registrars, consultants, and pharmacists were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify major themes and subthemes.
Results
Participants described both appropriate and inappropriate prescribing practices. Key factors influencing prescribing included health worker knowledge, fear of poor outcomes, laboratory delays, staff shortages, drug availability, and prescribing culture. Patient demand was not a significant factor. A multidisciplinary ASP committee, including infectious disease specialists, nurses, pharmacists, and hospital managers, was widely supported. Suggested interventions included audits with feedback, educational initiatives, and formal guidelines. Barriers to implementation included resource shortages, poor communication, and resistance to change, while facilitators included expert availability, managerial support, willingness to learn, and access to diagnostic facilities.
Conclusion
Health professionals support the establishment of an ASP, with identified barriers and facilitators providing valuable insights for its implementation.
Antibiotic resistance, driven by inappropriate antibiotic use, is a global health concern. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are recommended to combat this issue. Understanding current prescribing practices and identifying barriers and facilitators at health care facilities are critical for effective implementation. This study explores health professionals' perceptions of establishing an ASP in a tertiary hospital in Gauteng and assesses implementation challenges and enablers.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng. Sixteen in-depth interviews with nurses, medical interns, registrars, consultants, and pharmacists were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify major themes and subthemes.
Results
Participants described both appropriate and inappropriate prescribing practices. Key factors influencing prescribing included health worker knowledge, fear of poor outcomes, laboratory delays, staff shortages, drug availability, and prescribing culture. Patient demand was not a significant factor. A multidisciplinary ASP committee, including infectious disease specialists, nurses, pharmacists, and hospital managers, was widely supported. Suggested interventions included audits with feedback, educational initiatives, and formal guidelines. Barriers to implementation included resource shortages, poor communication, and resistance to change, while facilitators included expert availability, managerial support, willingness to learn, and access to diagnostic facilities.
Conclusion
Health professionals support the establishment of an ASP, with identified barriers and facilitators providing valuable insights for its implementation.
Biography
