1 research outputs found
Evaluating patient attitudes to increased patient engagement with antimicrobial stewardship: a quantitative survey
BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship (AMS) describes
interventions designed to optimize antimicrobial therapy, minimize adverse
treatment consequences and reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Previous research has investigated the patient’s role in healthcare infection
prevention but the patient’s role in AMS has not been extensively explored. ObjectivesTo investigate the willingness of hospital
inpatients to question staff about prudent antimicrobial use in an Irish
hospital and evaluate the impact of patient and public involvement in research
(PPI) on this study. MethodsA survey was co-designed with the hospital Patient
Representative Group (PRG) to evaluate patient willingness to engage with
prudent antimicrobial treatment. A random sample of 200 inpatients was selected
to self-complete the survey using pen and paper. PRG members provided feedback
on their involvement. ResultsOf the 200 inpatients randomly selected to
participate, 120 did not fulfil the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 80, 67
participated (response 84%). Median respondent age was 58 years, 30% were
employed and 30% had a third-level education degree. Over 90% had not heard of
AMS while just over 50% had not heard of AMR. Patients preferred asking factual
questions rather than challenging ones but did not have a preference in asking
questions of doctors compared with nurses. Older patients were less likely to
ask questions. PRG members reported an overall positive experience as research
collaborators. Conclusions
Future patient-centred AMS interventions should
empower patients to ask about antimicrobial treatment, in particular the older
patient cohort. PPI is a valuable component of patient-centred research.</div