P11 Pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards antimicrobial stewardship and resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic at secondary care settings in the UK

Abstract

Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, as inappropriate antibiotic prescribing worsened AMR. The WHO emphasized the need for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society underscored pharmacists’ roles in optimising antimicrobial use. Understanding pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding antibiotic prescribing, AMR, and AMS is vital to enhancing global AMS efforts. To explore pharmacists’ KAP during the COVID-19 pandemic, a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 using an online survey via Qualtrics, targeting registered pharmacists in a secondary care NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. The study received ethical approval, involved patient and public input, and was registered with ISRCTN and OCTOPUS. Most respondents were aged 25–31, female, and held postgraduate degrees. They demonstrated strong awareness of AMR and AMS, with the majority recognizing AMR as a public health concern and endorsing updated antibiotic guidelines. The study underscores pharmacists’ essential role in combating AMR, highlighting their potential to co-lead AMS initiatives and improve global health outcomes.