2027. What Are the Views Among Pakistani Physicians Toward Antimicrobial Resistance and Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs? A Multi-Site Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health issue that the world is facing in the 21st century and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is one of the recognized approaches to combat AMR. Little is known on the views among Pakistani physicians regarding AMR and the benefits of hospital ASP implementation. This study was aimed to investigate the perception and attitude of physicians about AMR and ASP. METHODS: Qualitative face-to-face and telephonic interviews were conducted by using purposive sampling method with 22 physicians working in seven tertiary care public hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative software was used, and a thematic analysis conducted. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified: (1) the growing concern of AMR in Pakistan, (2) the role(s) of healthcare professionals in antibiotic prescribing and infection control, and (3) managing antibiotic resistance in hospitals. Poor healthcare facilities, insufficient trained medical staff, and inadequate resources were the key barriers in the implementation of ASP in Pakistan. CONCLUSION: Physicians of public sector tertiary care teaching hospitals have shown poor familiarity toward hospital ASPs but the concept of hospital ASPs in Pakistan can be established by using the distinct themes that originated during this study. Overall, the attitude of physicians was positive toward its enforcement in all types of hospital settings including teaching hospitals. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.