Delivery of antimicrobial stewardship competencies in UK pre-registration nurse education programmes: a national cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Registered nurses perform numerous functions critical to the success of antimicrobial stewardship but only 63% of pre-registration nursing programmes include any teaching about stewardship. Updated nursing standards highlight nurses require antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and skills. Aim:To explore the delivery of key antimicrobial stewardship competencies within updated preregistration nursing programmes. Method:A cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected between March and June 2021. Findings: Lecturers from 35 universities responsible for teaching antimicrobial stewardship participated. The provision of antimicrobial stewardship teaching and learning was inconsistent across programmes with competencies in infection prevention and control, patient centred care, and interprofessional collaborative practice taking precedent over those pertaining to the use, management, and monitoring of antimicrobials. On-line learning and teaching surrounding hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and immunisation theory was reported to have increased during the pandemic. Only a small number of respondents reported that students shared taught learning with other healthcare professional groups. Conclusion:There is a need to ensure consistency in antimicrobial stewardship across programmes, and greater knowledge pertaining to the use, management and monitoring of antimicrobials should be included. Programmes need to adopt teaching strategies and methods that allow nurses to develop interprofessional skill in order to practice collaboratively.

Bedside nurses' antimicrobial stewardship practice scope and competencies in acute hospital settings: A scoping review

“…To overcome such barriers, the nursing community has recognized that there must be a change in nursing education and practice (Courtenay et al, 2022). The imperative identified to elevate nurses' engagement in AMS is competency management (Courtenay et al, 2022). This scoping review provided a preliminary framework of AMS competency for nurses' competency‐based education.…”

“…(Manning et al, 2022; Mula et al, 2021). By reporting, interpreting and assisting with the selection of antimicrobial drugs based on microbiology results, nurses can also influence prescribing decisions (Courtenay et al, 2022).…”

“…due to a lack of knowledge and confidence as well as an unclear understanding of nurses' roles and practices (Mula et al, 2021; Wilson, 2019). To overcome such barriers, the nursing community has recognized that there must be a change in nursing education and practice (Courtenay et al, 2022). The imperative identified to elevate nurses' engagement in AMS is competency management (Courtenay et al, 2022).…”

“…To allow theory-practice integration, nurses should be familiar with the basic concepts of antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial susceptibility (Padigos et al, 2020). Specific Responsibility/awareness (Carter et al, 2018;Ellen et al, 2017;Ierano et al, 2022;Kirby et al, 2020;Manning et al, 2022;Monsees et al, 2018;Mula et al, 2021;Rout & Brysiewicz, 2017;Sakaguchi et al, 2023;Schellack et al, 2016;Singh et al, 2021;Sloan & Dudjak, 2020;Wentzel et al, 2014) Professional values/sense of identifying (Broom et al, 2017;Carter et al, 2018;Courtenay et al, 2022;Kirby et al, 2020;Manning et al, 2022;Morgan, 2019;Mostaghim et al, 2017;Mula et al, 2021;Rout & Brysiewicz, 201...…”

“…Assessment/appropriate administration/monitoring /observation (Abbas et al, 2019; American Nurses Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017;Carter et al, 2018;Castro-Sánchez et al, 2019;Chater et al, 2022;Courtenay et al, 2022;Dresser et al, 2020;Dyar & Pulcini, 2017;Edwards et al, 2011;Ellen et al, 2017;Fisher et al, 2018;Gillespie et al, 2013;Ha et al, 2019;Hamdy et al, 2019;Ierano et al, 2022;Kumar et al, 2018;Lim et al, 2021;Manning et al, 2022;Merrill et al, 2019;Monsees et al, 2018;Morgan, 2019;Mostaghim et al, 2017;Mula et al...…”