Mind the gap: knowledge, attitudes and perceptions on antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities for people with disabilities in the Netherlands

• Published in: Antimicrobial resistance & infection control Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 56
• Main Authors: Hidad, S, de Greeff, S C, Haenen, A, de Haan, F, Leusink, G L, Timen, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 05.06.2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Antimicrobial resistance; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Attitude of Health Personnel; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disability; Disabled Persons; Drug resistance in microorganisms; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Evidence-based medicine; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel - psychology; Healthcare professionals; Humans; Infection; Infection Control - methods; Infection prevention and control; Intellectual Disability; Long-Term Care; Long-term care facilities; Long-term care of the sick; Male; Medical personnel; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Prevention; Public health; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Netherlands; Antimicrobial stewardship; Healthcare professionals; Intellectual disability; Antimicrobial resistance; Infection prevention and control; Long-term care
• ISSN: 2047-2994; 2047-2994
• DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01415-3

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the major public health threats worldwide, emphasizing the necessity of preventing the development and transmission of drug resistant microorganisms. This is particularly important for people with vulnerable health conditions, such as people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and long-term care residents. This study aimed to assess the current status of AMR, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and infection prevention and control (IPC) in Dutch long-term care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID-LTCFs). A web-based cross-sectional survey distributed between July and November 2023, targeting (both nonmedically and medically trained) healthcare professionals working in ID-LTCFs in The Netherlands, to study knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding AMR, AMS and IPC. In total, 109 participants working in 37 long-term care organizations for people with intellectual disabilities throughout the Netherlands completed the questionnaire. The knowledge levels of AMR and IPC among nonmedically trained professionals (e.g., social care professionals) were lower than those among medically trained professionals (p = 0.026). In particular regarding the perceived protective value of glove use, insufficient knowledge levels were found. Furthermore, there was a lack of easy-read resources and useful information regarding IPC and AMR, for both healthcare professionals as well as people with disabilities. The majority of the participants (> 90%) reported that AMR and IPC need more attention within the disability care sector, but paradoxically, only 38.5% mentioned that they would like to receive additional information and training about IPC, and 72.5% would like to receive additional information and training about AMR. Although the importance of AMR and IPC is acknowledged by professionals working in ID-LTCFs, there is room for improvement in regards to appropriate glove use and setting-specific IPC and hygiene policies. As nonmedically trained professionals comprise most of the workforce within ID-LTCFs, it is also important to evaluate their needs. This can have a substantial impact on developing and implementing AMR, AMS and/or IPC guidelines and policies in ID-LTCFs.