Antimicrobial resistance a global threat: Role of nurses for its prevention and control

 Antimicrobial resistance a global threat: Role of nurses for its prevention and control

Shagufta Iqbal

Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Karachi Pakistan

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when an antibiotic loses its ability to inhibit bacterial growth and is characterized as the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of antimicrobial drugs.   (Nadeem et al., 2020) This poses a significant worldwide danger to public health, necessitating collaborative efforts from all healthcare professionals.   Nurses are crucial in patient care, particularly at the forefront of combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).   Nurses can contribute significantly to the battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to their diverse range of responsibilities and their varied approaches to managing patients. (Cooper, Rassam, & Mellor, 2018).

In this blog will discuss strategies by which a nurse can actively participate in managing antibiotic resistance.

Education and Awareness:

Nurses possess a favorable position to educate patients, families, and communities regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the appropriate utilization of antibiotics. Nurses can assist individuals in making informed choices by elucidating the potential consequences of improper or excessive medication usage.   They can educate individuals on the significance of completing their antibiotic regimens and instruct them on other recovery methods when medicines are unnecessary. (Gillespie, Rodrigues, Wright, Williams, & Stuart, 2013)

 Preventing and controlling infections:

Infection prevention and control practices are essential to a nurse's role.   Nurses can mitigate the transmission of illnesses by adhering to protocols such as practicing proper hand hygiene, donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and diligently sterilizing and disinfecting objects.  Nurses reduce the demand for antibiotics and inhibit the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by preventing infections.

 Optimal management of antibiotics: 

Nurses can facilitate the implementation of medication stewardship programs by collaborating with other healthcare teams.   Nurses ensure the practical use of antibiotics by vigilantly monitoring and adhering to sound prescribing protocols.  Nurses have a crucial role in ensuring timely and accurate administration of antibiotics, monitoring patients' response to therapy, and advocating for the reduction or cessation of antibiotics when they are no longer necessary.

Monitoring and documenting:

Nurses have the opportunity to participate in monitoring initiatives to identify occurrences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare-associated illnesses and subsequently submit reports on these findings.   Nurses acquire valuable insights into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by gathering data and monitoring the utilization of antibiotics. This enables them to comprehend the behavior of resistant organisms and contributes to our overall understanding of AMR.   Their vigilance enables them to identify novel patterns and promptly respond to them.

Advocacy for Patients: 

As patient advocates, nurses play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and receiving quality care.   Their role involves collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to promote the careful utilization of antibiotics.   Nurses actively participate in discussions and contribute to decision-making processes to ensure that treatment plans effectively consider the potential of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), maximizing promising patient outcomes. 

Exploration and Advancement:

Nurses can contribute to research studies on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).   Their clinical expertise and observations can contribute to studies aimed at explaining antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends, identifying effective therapies, and formulating novel strategies.   By doing research, nurses contribute to the existing pool of data, thereby enhancing patient care and facilitating advancements in the prevention and management of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Participation in the community:

Nurses exert a broader impact outside the confines of the hospital by actively engaging in community affairs.   Their role includes disseminating knowledge about AMR and educating individuals on preventive measures through public health and outreach initiatives.   Nurses contribute to developing a responsible antibiotic usage culture by collaborating with schools, businesses, and community groups.

Conclusion

Nurses play a crucial role as critical partners in the battle against antibiotic resistance.   Their roles encompass several responsibilities, such as imparting knowledge, preventing and managing infections, promoting careful use of antibiotics, monitoring and reporting, advocating for patients, researching, and collaborating with the community.   Nurses significantly contribute to managing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ensuring patient safety, and preserving the efficacy of medications for future generations through their diligent efforts.   Given the significance of nurses, we must continue to support their efforts in combating antibiotic resistance.

 References

Cooper, D. M., Rassam, T., & Mellor, A. (2018). Non-flushing of IV administration sets: an under-recognised under-dosing risk. British Journal of Nursing, 27(14), S4-S12.

Gillespie, E., Rodrigues, A., Wright, L., Williams, N., & Stuart, R. L. (2013). Improving antibiotic stewardship by involving nurses. American Journal of Infection Control, 41(4), 365-367.

Nadeem, S. F., Gohar, U. F., Tahir, S. F., Mukhtar, H., Pornpukdeewattana, S., Nukthamna, P., . . . Massa, S. (2020). Antimicrobial resistance: more than 70 years of war between humans and bacteria. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 46(5), 578-599.

Author Introduction:

Shagufta Iqbal is a senior instructor at the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. She has a Master of Science in Bioscience from the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology Karachi, Pakistan with a concentration in clinical microbiology and a Bachelor of Education in the same city. She is also a member of the American Society of Microbiology and currently instructs nursing and midwifery students at the baccalaureate level in the basic sciences. Currently, her focus is on instructing students in the fields of microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Furthermore, her research areas include clinical and food microbiology, public health, and Science education.