Results of Three-Phase Research Project Investigating Antibiotic Prescribing and Antimicrobial Stewardship in 2019 and 2020.

Abstract

This article about the research project presents a thorough examination of antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship in 2019 and 2020, concentrating on the period preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It encompasses three phases: a systematic literature review, a retrospective analysis of medical records, and a prospective survey study. The literature review assesses trends in antimicrobial stewardship within acute care settings, analysing articles from a variety of databases. The retrospective study investigates patient demographics, antibiotic utilisation, and adherence to the "Five Rights of Antibiotic Safety" in a secondary care environment. The concluding phase surveys healthcare professionals' attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing and stewardship amidst the pandemic. This multi-faceted approach offers valuable insights into antibiotic practices during a crucial time in healthcare.