Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat worldwide. Some authors have suggested that end-users of nursing homes have an influence on antibiotic prescribing. The objective of this study is to describe the views of end-users and professionals on residents’ behavior towards antibiotic therapy in terms of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards this drug class and its prescribing process. This is a concurrent mixed methodology study using questionnaires and semi-directive individual interviews with nursing homes residents, nurses, and doctors practicing in these facilities. The questionnaires analyzed were collected from 35 residents (24.3%) and 109 nurses (75.7%). The qualitative interview involved 26 of total participants that agreed to be interviewed. We noticed misconceptions being held by the residents regarding the antibiotic resistance phenomenon. Additionally, nurses were not considered as a source of information about antibiotics. Nurses and residents had conflicting opinions about residents requesting antibiotics, and the findings depict a stereotypical view of the nurse profession as a reflection of a cognitive representation. The authors conclude that, despite many campaigns, further efforts are needed to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Initiatives could include raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance, clarifying the role of nurses, and communicating well with residents about their needs in nursing homes.
Highlights
The number of people aged 65 and over is increasing in France, as in several developed countries around the world, and these individuals were estimated to comprise one-fifth of the population in2018 [1]
General physicians who practice in nursing homes are not hired by these facilities
Being part of the study may have been perceived by physicians as extra work and more time spent at the nursing homes
Summary
The number of people aged 65 and over is increasing in France, as in several developed countries around the world, and these individuals were estimated to comprise one-fifth of the population in2018 [1]. A proportion of these elderly people are institutionalized in nursing homes, most often due to the loss of their autonomy. In these facilities, infections are common due to the characteristics of the residents and their lifestyle [2]. Infections are common due to the characteristics of the residents and their lifestyle [2] The management of such infections requires antibiotics as the main therapeutic option available to medicine today. This antibiotic therapy is sometimes inappropriate and contributes to reinforcing the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance [3]. Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health problem of global importance and is one of the priority targets of the
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