Patient and public understanding of antimicrobial resistance: a systematic review and meta-ethnography

This study aimed to understand laypeople’s beliefs and attitudes towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a conceptual model derived from primary qualitative research. The model, based on 13 papers from 12 studies, identified five themes: responsible patient, meaningless words, patient-prescriber relationship, past experience driving antibiotic use, and reframing public perception. The findings suggest that AMR is an ethical issue, not just a prescribing problem. Factors affecting public perception include laypeople’s knowledge, healthcare provider relationships, media influence, and public health campaigns.