Providers' beliefs and behaviors regarding antibiotic prescribing and antibiotic resistance in persons with spinal cord injury or disorder

Charlesnika T. Evans, Thea J. Rogers, Frances M. Weaver, Stephen P. Burns

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Context: Persons with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) are at increased risk for antibiotic resistance because of recurrent infections and subsequent use of antibiotics. However, there are no studies focused on providers who care for these patients and their perceptions regarding antibiotic use and resistance. Objective: To characterize SCI/D provider behavior and attitudes about antibiotic prescribing and resistance. Design/methods: Anonymous internet-based, cross-sectional survey. Participants: A total of 314 SCI/D clinicians who prescribe antibiotics (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners). Results: A total of 118 providers responded (37.6% response rate) including 80 physicians, 20 nurse practitioners, and 18 physician assistants. The majority of respondents agreed with statements regarding the societal impact of antibiotic resistance; only 17.8% agreed that they prescribed antibiotics more than they should, but 61.0% agreed that patient demand was a major reason for prescribing unnecessary antibiotics. The most frequent problematic organisms reported were: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (83.1%), multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas (61.0%), and Clostridium difficile (57.6%). The most frequent antibiotics selected for outpatient treatment of community-acquired pneumonia treatment, based on a clinical scenario were azithromycin (36.4%) and respiratory fluoroquinolones (22.9%). Conclusion: These data show that the respondents are aware of and concerned with the problem of antibiotic resistance in their practice. Clinician respondents also endorsed the need to improve their own knowledge and that of their colleagues regarding appropriate antibiotic prescribing. These findings suggest that interventions should focus on provider education, particularly regarding appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)16-21
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011

Keywords

  • Amoxicillin/clavulanate
  • Anti-bacterial agents
  • Antibiotic prescribing patterns
  • Attitude of health personnel
  • Azithromycin
  • Drug resistance
  • Infectious disease
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Pneumonia
  • Spinal cord injuries

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

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