How do nurses in Finland perceive their role in antibiotic stewardship? : A descriptive study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to human health and well-being. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs), designed to improve patient safety and quality of care through appropriate antimicrobial use, have historically omitted nurses. However, in recent years there has been a growing consensus that nurses ought to be recognised as key actors. OBJECTIVES: Within Finland there is a knowledge gap in how well nurses are integrated into antimicrobial stewardship. The aim of this study is to describe how nurses working in Finland perceive their role in antibiotic stewardship. METHODS: Quantitative descriptive study. Participants (n = 141) were selected using purposive sampling from two hospitals in Ostrobothnia, Finland. Intensive care, medical/surgical, primary care and rehabilitation units were represented. An online questionnaire was used to collect responses and analysed using descriptive statistics. The study had a response rate of 19.9%. RESULTS: Participants’ key knowledge of AMR was higher than the European average. A positive perception of the nurse’s role in antibiotic stewardship was found. Ensuring correct documentation of antibiotic allergies, proper technique collecting blood cultures, and proper hand hygiene were identified as a part of the nursing role in antibiotic stewardship. Organisational backing and education needs were identified as important to the integration of nurses within ASPs. LIMITATIONS: A small sample size and use of purposive sampling means the results cannot be generalised to the wider population of Finnish nurses.