The Perceptions of Health Care Providers Regarding the Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

Abstract

The inappropriate use of antimicrobials leads to the development of antimicrobial resistance
that results in negative outcomes. The implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs is
essential to decrease antimicrobial resistance rate. This study aims to describe health care providers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding antimicrobial stewardship program implementation and to describe the
major barriers of its implementation. The Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire that
was transferred to an online form and distributed to be filled by the healthcare professionals. More than
62% of the respondents haven’t previous antimicrobial stewardship experience. About 72.55% of the participants said that they are concerned about antibiotic resistance in their hospitals when they prescribe or
dispense antibiotics. It can be concluded that there is a need for more education to increase the awareness
regarding AMS and there is a need for more training to improve the prescribing and dispensing practices
of health care providers.