1302. Antibiotic Prescribing Knowledge: A Brief Survey of Providers and Staff at an Ambulatory Cancer Center During Antibiotic Awareness Week 2017

Abstract

BackgroundAntibiotics have contributed significantly to advances in cancer therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation, but rising antibiotic resistance threatens this progress. Little is known about knowledge and perceptions surrounding antibiotic use and resistance among staff at cancer centers.MethodsWe conducted a brief cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals (HCP) at a large ambulatory cancer center to assess knowledge of antibiotic prescribing and resistance during Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 13–19, 2017. A convenience sample of providers and staff who participated in one of two 2-hour Antimicrobial Stewardship Program “open house” events was used. Questions evaluated knowledge about antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections (URIs).ResultsThere were 179 respondents. The proportion of correct responses to each question by employee type is displayed in Table 1. There was a statistically significant decreasing trend in the proportion correctly answering all four questions by employee type from providers, to pharmacists, to nurses, to others (P <0.001) (Figure 1).Table 1. Survey Results by Employee TypeProvider (MD/NP/PA)RPhRNOtherAll P-valueaNumber of respondents, n (%)45 (25)17 (10)42 (23)75 (42)179 (100)N/AConcept evaluatedRespondents answering correctly, n (%)1. Most URIs are caused by viruses43 (96)17 (100)35 (83)46 (61)141 (79)<0.0012. Antibiotics are not indicated for cold symptoms/ viral URI45 (100)16 (94)39 (93)66 (88)166 (93)0.0073. Green sputum or mucus is not an indication for antibiotics44 (98)13 (76)27 (64)27 (36)111 (62)<0.0014. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics can prevent emergence of resistance45 (100)17 (100)41 (98)61 (81)164 (92)<0.001 aA one-sided Cochran-Armitage test for trend was performed.Figure 1.Distribution of correctly answered questions by employee typeConclusionProviders were more likely to correctly answer questions pertaining to antibiotic use compared with other HCP. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of cancer care, patients often encounter a variety of HCP over the course of treatment. Opportunities exist to improve antibiotic stewardship education across the spectrum of HCP at our cancer center, including pharmacists, nurses, and other staff.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.