Identifying Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship in a Tertiary Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) encompasses numerous interventions that seek to improve antimicrobial usage, as inappropriate use of antimicrobials may result in the promotion of antimicrobial resistance, patient harm, and increased costs. AMS is of particular interest in intensive care units (ICUs) where antimicrobial use is extensive. Few qualitative studies have sought to identify the perceived attitudes and beliefs of intensive care clinicians around AMS.

Objectives: To understand ICU nursing and physician priorities and preferences around AMS and possible AMS interventions for implementation in the ICU.

CJCCN, Volume 31, Number 3, Winter 2020

Editorial
To our Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses Members and Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing™ Readership,

Over the past year, the editorial team in collaboration with the editorial review board and the national board of directors of the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN), have had many conversations regarding the Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing™ (CJCCN). Our aim has been to ensure that the CJCCN continues to be a major vehicle for critical care nursing scholarship and knowledge dissemination in Canada and internationally.