J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2024 Aug;30(2):125-138. 10.22650/JKCNR.2024.30.2.125.

Clinical Nurses' Perception and Performance of Antimicrobial Stewardship

• Noh BY
• Yu J

• KMID: 2559322
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2024.30.2.125

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the perception and performance of antimicrobial stewardship among clinical nurses and to contribute to establishing their role through an Importance-Performance Analysis(IPA) matrix.
Methods
The study included 203 nurses working in hospitals of general hospital level or higher. Data collection took place from April 9 to May 6, 2024. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé́ tests, and IPA analysis.
Results
The average perception score for antimicrobial stewardship was 4.42±0.46, while the performance score was 3.96±0.53. Significant differences in perception and performance were observed across several ares: observation of patients, checking with/suggesting to physician based on assessments, implement tests and antimicrobial administration, patient education and support, coordinating multiple disciplines and institutions, acquiring up to date knowledge(p<.050). Perception was highest in the area of implement tests and antimicrobial administration but lowest in coordinating multiple disciplines and institutions.
Conclusion
To establish the specific role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship, improving nurse perception and fostering collaboration with various experts are essential. Developing educational programs and institutional support tailored to nurses is necessary to address areas identified for improvement in both perception and performance.

Keyword

Nursing Staff; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Nurse's Roles; Awareness; Clinical Competence