Nurses are a pivotal part of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) in all healthcare settings including long-term care facilities (LTCF).  Providing AS education to healthcare providers such as nurses is not only a part of the CDC AS core elements, it may also help reduce inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing.  A recently published study assessed the impact of a free-online educational program on the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward AS of nurses working in LTCF.

The study, published in the May 2017 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, surveyed participants using a 25-item questionnaire to assess attitudes and beliefs on AS and 12 multiple choice questions to evaluate knowledge on the care of LTCF residents with infections before and after completion of the educational program.  A total of 103 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses completed the surveys.  After program completion, the knowledge score significantly improved from 75% to 85% (p <0.001).  In addition, the respondents reported a significant increase in their attitudes on whether their knowledge on resident’s baseline clinical status, clinical assessment, and communication with providers, residents, and families influence decision to prescribe antibiotics.  Beliefs about AS and infection prevention, however, was not significantly change after completion of the educational program.

The study investigators concluded that the online course directed toward nurses is effective in improving their knowledge to care for residents with infections and in increasing their confidence to participate in AS activities in LTCF.

For additional details on the study, click here.  To enroll in the free online educational program, please visit https://robinjump.coursesites.com/.