Opportunities to Enhance Diagnostic Testing and Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Qualitative Multinational Survey of Healthcare Professionals

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health challenge, and efforts to reduce it through antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives include education and optimizing diagnostic technologies and antibiotics. However, economic and societal challenges hinder these efforts. A study surveyed 300 healthcare professionals from six countries to understand current challenges and identify opportunities for optimizing diagnostic test utilisation and AMS efforts. The results showed that economic challenges were the most significant, with many HCPs reporting lack of investment and resourcing in AMS initiatives. High resistance rates were considered the greatest barriers to appropriate antimicrobial use. Most HCPs found local and national guidelines useful, but identified areas for improvement. AMS initiatives, including diagnostic technology utilization, are crucial for decreasing AMR rates. However, barriers to successful implementation include patient/institutional costs, turnaround time of test results, resourcing, AMR burden, and education. Greater investment, resourcing, education, and updated guidelines can further strengthen global AMS efforts.