The application of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge to nursing practice: A national survey of United Kingdom pre‐registration nursing students
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Hawker Clare , Gallagher Rose , Castro‐Sanchez Enrique , Gould Dinah J. , Al Salti Faten , Bate Jennifer , Cooper Daniel , Cooper Rebecca , Craig Rebecca , Dickinson Rebecca , Fallon Debbie , Mcleod Sharon , Morrow Kate , Ness Valerie , Nichols Andrew , O'reilly Sarah , Partington Sarah , Sevenoaks J. Claire , Sunter Matthew , Turner Jane , Underhill Liz W. , Weaver Sarah L. 
Published: April 2024

Aim

To assess student nurses understanding and skills in the application of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge to practice.

Design

Quantitative.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey.

Results

Five hundred and twenty three student nurses responded across 23 UK universities. Although students felt prepared in competencies in infection prevention and control, patient‐centred care and interprofessional collaborative practice, they felt less prepared in competencies in which microbiological knowledge, prescribing and its effect on antimicrobial stewardship is required. Problem‐based learning, activities in the clinical setting and face‐to‐face teaching were identified as the preferred modes of education delivery. Those who had shared antimicrobial stewardship teaching with students from other professions reported the benefits to include a broader understanding of antimicrobial stewardship, an understanding of the roles of others in antimicrobial stewardship and improved interprofessional working.

Conclusion

There are gaps in student nurses' knowledge of the basic sciences associated with the antimicrobial stewardship activities in which nurses are involved, and a need to strengthen knowledge in pre‐registration nurse education programmes pertaining to antimicrobial management, specifically microbiology and antimicrobial regimes and effects on antimicrobial stewardship. Infection prevention and control, patient‐centred care and interprofessional collaborative practice are areas of antimicrobial stewardship in which student nurses feel prepared. Interprofessional education would help nurses and other members of the antimicrobial stewardship team clarify the role nurses can play in antimicrobial stewardship and therefore maximize their contribution to antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial management.

Implications for the Profession

There is a need to strengthen knowledge from the basic sciences, specifically pertaining to antimicrobial management, in pre‐registration nurse education programmes.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Impact

What Problem Did the Study Address?

Nurses must protect health through understanding and applying antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and skills (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2018); however, there is no research available that has investigated nurses understanding and skills of the basic sciences associated with the antimicrobial stewardship activities in which they are involved.

What Were the Main Findings?

There are gaps in student nurses' knowledge of the basic sciences (specifically microbiology and prescribing) associated with the antimicrobial stewardship activities in which nurses are involved. Problem‐based learning, and activities in the clinical setting, were reported as useful teaching methods, whereas online learning, was seen as less useful.

Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact?

Pre‐registration nurse education programmes.

Reporting Method

The relevant reporting method has been adhered to, that is, STROBE.