Exploring drivers and challenges influencing antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings and possible mitigation strategies in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Healthcare institutions implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes to optimize the use of antibiotics. The focus is often on inpatient rather than outpatient settings. We aimed to explore perceptions of AMS stakeholders on effective interventions for appropriate antibiotic use in outpatient settings, and the role of clinical pharmacists in the AMS multidisciplinary team.

Methods

A qualitative semi-structured interview study using thematic analysis by two researchers independently. Participants that practice AMS programmes were recruited from healthcare facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interviews were conducted face to face or online and transcribed verbatim.

Results

Four themes emerged: (i) Perceived factors leading to unnecessary or

SUBMITTER: Sadeq AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10561535 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature