Antibiotic Stewardship in Vermont: Prescribers’ Attitudes and Perceptions
Feder, Andries Kale, Arya Ali, Saim Cordero, Francisco Manogaran, Erin Briche, Martin Moshashaian, Ranya Chiavacci, Sarah Kelso, Patsy Lafferty, Allison
Feder, Andries
Kale, Arya
Ali, Saim
Cordero, Francisco
Manogaran, Erin
Briche, Martin
Moshashaian, Ranya
Chiavacci, Sarah
Kelso, Patsy
Lafferty, Allison
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Abstract
Background: Antibiotic stewardship is essential for minimizing the adverse effects of inappropriate prescribing, including the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens and iatrogenic C. Difficile infection. In collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health, we surveyed Vermont prescribers' perceptions and attitudes towards antibiotic resistance and stewardship initiatives. Methods: We conducted a statewide survey of 82 practicing prescribers in Vermont, distributed via messaging from the Vermont Department of Health. Regression models were used to analyze statistically significant trends. Results: Respondents included physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, and physician assistants. Most respondents (85%) agreed that antibiotic resistance was a concern for their practice. However, fewer (52.5%) agreed that inappropriate prescribing was an issue in their practice. Physicians had the highest proportion of respondents who disagreed that inappropriate antibiotic prescribing was a concern in their practice, but had the highest share agree that antibiotic resistance was a concern. Conclusion: Healthcare providers’ perception that inappropriate prescribing is not an issue in their workplace presents a challenge for implementing effective antibiotic stewardship measures. Out of all proposed interventions, most respondents (86%) indicated that instruction on how and when to de-label a penicillin allergy in the medical record would be a useful stewardship strategy. Targeted educational interventions, specialty-specific guidelines, and regional collaborations within the medical community can better improve antibiotic stewardship.
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2025-01-29