Abstract:
The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a major global health issue, rendering medications used to treat infections caused by microorganisms as ineffective. This is a significant threat to public health as common infections become untreatable, leading to increases in duration of illness, incidence of disease, cost of treatment, and rises in morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics is one factor that contributes to antimicrobial resistance. One of the newest groups of prescribers in Aotearoa New Zealand is the Registered Nurse Designated Prescriber (RN prescriber) in primary health and specialty teams, yet little is known about their approach to antibiotic prescribing. This study aims to explore RN prescribers’ antibiotic prescribing practices. A qualitative approach was used with sampling by snowball method. Interviews with six participants were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Findings were grouped into two main themes. The first, clinical assessment, had sub-themes identified as clinical indications; testing for infections and other morbidities; consulting resources; and individualising treatment. The second theme, safety considerations, had one sub-theme: first- and second-line antibiotics. Overall, these registered nurses were found to be cautious in their approach to prescribing antibiotics and they were aware of the importance of safe antibiotic prescribing. Limitations of this study included the small sample size. It would be worthwhile repeating this study when more RN prescribers are practising in this role. Additionally, the antibiotic prescribing practices of other prescribing groups should be explored as safe antibiotic prescribing is the responsibility of all prescribers.