O120: Knowledge and perceptions of General and Vascular surgeons and the public on antibiotic resistance: a validated questionnaire study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Antibiotic resistance is a leading cause of death globally. Surgeons are responsible for a significant proportion of antibiotic prescribing with surgical prophylaxis constituting 15% of all antibiotic prescriptions. Despite this, knowledge and perceptions of surgeons surrounding antibiotic resistance are poorly understood and therefore antibiotic stewardship programmes have failed to target this cohort of prescribers. Methods Two parallel surveys were created and distributed to surgeons (n=48) and the public (n=115). Content validity was ensured through a systematic review of the literature. Clinical scenarios testing antimicrobial prescribing practice were included in the surgeon survey. Both surveys were further validated by a multidisciplinary panel of surgeons and consultant microbiologists. A multimodal distribution approach was utilised including face-to-face, email, and patient and public engagement platforms. Results Surgeons scored poorly across knowledge domains with 7/9 clinical scenarios answered correctly by less than 50% of participants. Key barriers to adequate prescribing identified were knowledge/education, fear of missing an infection, guidelines, and cultural issues. The most useful interventions identified were formal education to prescribers (70.8%), provision of local antibiotic resistance patterns (64.7%) and increased help from Infectious Diseases/Microbiology/Pharmacy (64.7%). Although public participants demonstrated good knowledge surrounding antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance, medical professionals were reported to be their major information source. Conclusion Surgeon knowledge surrounding antimicrobial resistance can be improved through targeted antibiotic stewardship interventions and addressing barriers identified by this study. Although public participants surveyed demonstrate willingness to improve antibiotic use, behaviour change will be predominantly driven by improved practice by surgeons.