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Antibiotic resistance: a survey of physician perceptions

C William Wester1, Lakshmi Durairaj, Arthur T Evans

  • 1Collaborative Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Room 1600, Administration Building, 1900 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

Archives of Internal Medicine
|October 24, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Physicians recognize antibiotic resistance as a national issue but vary in their views on its local impact and solutions. Addressing these differing perspectives is key to improving antibiotic stewardship and infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health threat, exacerbated by inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
  • Understanding healthcare providers' perspectives is crucial for developing effective antibiotic stewardship strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess internal medicine physicians' attitudes towards antibiotic resistance.
  • To explore physicians' knowledge, beliefs, and perceived causes of antibiotic resistance.
  • To evaluate physicians' opinions on interventions to combat antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to 490 internal medicine physicians across four Chicago-area hospitals.
  • The survey assessed attitudes on the importance, prevalence, causes, and solutions for antibiotic resistance.
  • A response rate of 87% (424 physicians) was achieved.

Main Results:

  • 87% of physicians considered antibiotic resistance a major national problem, but only 55% viewed it as a significant issue at their own hospitals.
  • Nearly all physicians (97%) identified inappropriate antibiotic use as a cause of resistance.
  • Support for restricting broad-spectrum antibiotic use varied, with 60% in favor.

Conclusions:

  • Physician perceptions of antibiotic resistance's local importance, causes, and solutions are diverse.
  • Variations in physician knowledge and attitudes may hinder effective antibiotic prescribing and infection control.
  • Targeted interventions are needed to align physician perspectives and improve antibiotic stewardship.

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