Indonesian healthcare providers’ perceptions and attitude on antimicrobial resistance, prescription and stewardship programs

Abstract

Background: A successful antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is sustained through improving antimicrobial prescribing by changing prescribing behavior. This requires a better understanding of hospital stakeholders’ views regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use and participation in ASP activities. Objectives: Identify perceptions and attitudes among physicians and pharmacists in a public hospital toward AMR, prescription and ASP. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 45 items was distributed to physicians and pharmacists in a 320-bed public hospital. All responses were formatted into the Likert scale. Results: A total of 78 respondents (73% response rate) completed the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents perceived AMR within hospital as less of a severe problem, and factors outside hospital were considered to be greater contributors to AMR. In addition, interprofessional conflict was identified as a serious concern in relation to implementing ASP. Conclusion: This finding indicates the need to address existing perceptions and attitudes toward ASP activities that may hamper its successful implementation in Indonesia.