A cross-sectional descriptive study of pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial stewardship conducted post-COVID-19 pandemic at a UK NHS Foundation Trust

Abstract

Objectives Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become increasingly vital due to the concerning rise in inappropriate antibiotic use exacerbated by the challenges faced during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pharmacists regarding antibiotic prescribing, AMR, and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices, highlighting the role of the workforce in addressing these challenges, based on their experiences during the pandemic within a UK acute care setting at an National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust. Methods In 2023, an online survey conducted via Qualtrics facilitated a prospective cross-sectional study. Pharmacists working within an NHS Foundation Trust during the pandemic participated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics with IBM SPSS Statistics. Key Findings The majority of respondents were aged 25–31 years, representing 44.0% (55/125), and 70.4% (88/125) held postgraduate degrees. Regarding knowledge, 85.2% (107/125) recognized AMR as a public health concern, 91.2% (114/125) believed actions against AMR would benefit society, and 85.6% (107/125) supported AMS for prudent antibiotic use. For attitudes, 80% (100/125) reported that COVID-19 patient conditions influenced antibiotic prescribing, and 79.2% (99/125) valued communication between microbiologists and AMS teams during the pandemic. Conclusion This descriptive study, conducted at a single NHS Foundation Trust, highlights pharmacists’ exemplary knowledge, showcasing their capability to deliver effective and impactful AMS practices during the pandemic. As vital members of the healthcare workforce, they revealed the potential to co-lead AMS initiatives. Enhanced training is crucial for sustainable AMS practices, confronting AMR, and safeguarding patient lives.