The role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship near the end of life in aged-care homes: A qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The excessive use of antimicrobials in aged-care homes is a widely recognised phenomenon. This is problematic because it can harm residents, and is detrimental to public health. Residents in the final month of life are increasingly likely to be prescribed an antimicrobial, commonly without having signs and symptoms of infection that support antimicrobial use. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the perspectives of health professionals on antimicrobial use near the end of life in aged-care homes and investigate the potential opportunities for nurses to undertake antimicrobial stewardship activities near the end of life in aged-care homes. DESIGN: One-on-one, semi-structured, qualitat..