Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Understanding and Detecting Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance by Combining Culture-Based Techniques and Genomics
Published on: July 19, 2024
A scoping review and behavioural analysis of factors underlying overuse of antimicrobials
Olga Poluektova1,2, Deirdre A Robertson1,3, Aisling Rafferty4,5
1Behavioural Research Unit, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Ireland.
Background:
Overuse of antimicrobials is a challenging global issue that contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Despite widespread awareness of the problem among members of the medical community and various attempts to improve prescription practices, existing antimicrobial stewardship programmes are not always effective. In our view, this may reflect limited understanding of factors that influence prescription of antimicrobials as empirical therapy, implying a need to address the psychological mechanisms behind some of the specific behaviours involved.
Objectives:
To identify factors that influence the antimicrobials prescription as empirical therapy, and to relate these factors to findings from behavioural science.
Methods:
We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the factors underlying antimicrobial prescription decisions, following the protocol designed using PRISMA guidelines.
Results And Conclusions:
From a final sample of 90 sources, we identified ten factors important in antimicrobial prescription decisions. In the second stage of our analysis, we grouped them into five final categories: (1) nature of the decision, (2) social influences, (3) individual differences, (4) characteristics of the patient, (5) context. We analyse these categories using a behavioural science perspective.
Insights
Antimicrobial overuse drives resistance. Understanding psychological factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing is key to improving stewardship programs and combating resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial overuse is a significant global challenge contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
- Current antimicrobial stewardship programs often lack effectiveness due to limited understanding of prescription influences.
- Psychological mechanisms behind prescribing behaviors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors influencing antimicrobial prescription decisions for empirical therapy.
- To connect these identified factors with established principles from behavioral science.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review of existing literature was performed.
- The review followed PRISMA guidelines for systematic literature searches.
- Analysis involved synthesizing findings from 90 selected sources.
Main Results:
- Ten crucial factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing decisions were identified.
- These factors were categorized into five main groups: decision nature, social influences, individual differences, patient characteristics, and context.
- A behavioral science perspective was applied to analyze these categories.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing is essential for effective stewardship.
- Behavioral science offers valuable insights into addressing the psychological drivers of prescribing practices.
- Targeting these factors can lead to improved antimicrobial use and combat resistance.
More Related Videos
08:58Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
11:17Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Related Concept Videos
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:19Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:28Biological Methods for Microbial Control
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing