4CPS-011 Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic reconstitution among healthcare professionals in 12 southeastern European hospitals: a multicentre cross-sectional study

Abstract

<h3>Background and importance</h3> Preparation and administration of intravenous medicines, especially antibiotics, have many steps or aspects that are usually interrelated, which makes these medicines most commonly involved in medication errors in hospitals.¹ Therefore, it is important to focus on contextual aspects of antibiotic use in hospitals especially in terms of antibiotic reconstitution/dilution. <h3>Aim and objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic reconstitution/dilution among healthcare professionals in 12 Southeastern European hospitals. <h3>Material and methods</h3> The study was conducted using interviewer-administered questionnaires or self-administered questionnaires mailed to healthcare professionals. Information on demographic characteristics and KAP regarding antibiotic reconstitution/dilution were collected from May to September 2021. <h3>Results</h3> More than 90% of physicians consult pharmacists for advice concerning stability of reconstituted antibiotics, incompatibilities with other medicines or solvents, or preparation and administration of parenteral antibiotics for special patient groups. Conversely, medical nurses/technicians consult with their colleagues (up to 56.10%) rather than asking pharmacists for information concerning antibiotic reconstitution/dilution (up to 36.90%). More than 53% of 565 healthcare professionals considered the database within the hospital information system to be the most trusted source of information. Electronic resources, such as e-journals, online databases and websites, were the least trusted information source by more than 61% of healthcare professionals. The study revealed that knowledge depends on the educational level, since physicians had a higher percentage of correct answers (52.05%–88.10%) in comparison to medical nurses/technicians (33.33%–68.42%). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge level among healthcare professionals from different hospitals. <h3>Conclusion and relevance</h3> The study indicates the need for a database within the hospital information system regarding antibiotic reconstitution/dilution in order to decrease the inappropriate preparation and administration of parenteral antibiotics in hospitalised patients. Moreover, it is important to raise awareness about this issue as a part of the everyday practice of hospital pharmacists. There is a need to introduce specific training on preparation and administration of parenteral antibiotics among healthcare professionals in hospitals. <h3>References and/or acknowledgements</h3> 1. Sutherland A, Canobbio M, Clarke J, et al. Incidence and prevalence of intravenous medication errors in the UK: a systematic review. Eur J Hosp Pharm. 2020;<b>27</b>(1):3–8. doi:10.1136/ejhpharm-2018-001624 <h3>Conflict of interest</h3> No conflict of interest