Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey

Abstract Background The development of nursing competencies in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is influenced by a two-dimensional model, encompassing both internal and environmental factors. In the context of Italian clinical nursing, this study aims to assess and measure these aspects. Methods Empl...

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Main Authors: Matteo Danielis, Tania Buttiron Webber, Chiara Barchielli, Maria Mongardi, Domenico Regano
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-025-01531-8
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author Matteo Danielis
Tania Buttiron Webber
Chiara Barchielli
Maria Mongardi
Domenico Regano
author_facet Matteo Danielis
Tania Buttiron Webber
Chiara Barchielli
Maria Mongardi
Domenico Regano
author_sort Matteo Danielis
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The development of nursing competencies in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is influenced by a two-dimensional model, encompassing both internal and environmental factors. In the context of Italian clinical nursing, this study aims to assess and measure these aspects. Methods Employing a cross-sectional online survey design, nurses from various clinical specialties in Italy were involved. The questionnaire assessed individual variables, knowledge, attitudes, practices, as well as structural and process-related variables influencing AMS. Statistical analyses were performed, encompassing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results A total of 1,651 nurses aswered the survey, with a participation rate of 50.8%. The participant demographic revealed that 77% were female, and they had an average of 15 years of experience. Workplace and regional factors were found to significantly impact both AMS practices and attitudes. Surgical nurses reported higher practices scores (β = 0.467, P <.01), while critical care nurses scored lower (β= -0.398, P <.01). Regarding perceptions of structure, workplace characteristics significantly influenced nurses’ scores, indicating lower perceptions among surgical nurses compared to their medical counterparts (β= -0.315, P <.01). Conclusions The study reveals the intricate interplay between internal and external factors that impact nurses’ AMS competence. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and education initiatives to enhance nurses’ AMS competencies. Specifically, addressing variations in settings and nurses’ behaviours becomes imperative for achieving improved patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-fd036787265145b984f81e2b3a7bc2582025-08-20T02:59:29ZengBMCAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control2047-29942025-02-011411910.1186/s13756-025-01531-8Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide surveyMatteo Danielis0Tania Buttiron Webber1Chiara Barchielli2Maria Mongardi3Domenico Regano4Laboratory of Studies & Evidence Based Nursing, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of PadovaLaboratory of Studies & Evidence Based Nursing, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of PadovaLaboratory of Studies & Evidence Based Nursing, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of PadovaLaboratory of Studies & Evidence Based Nursing, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of PadovaLaboratory of Studies & Evidence Based Nursing, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of PadovaAbstract Background The development of nursing competencies in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is influenced by a two-dimensional model, encompassing both internal and environmental factors. In the context of Italian clinical nursing, this study aims to assess and measure these aspects. Methods Employing a cross-sectional online survey design, nurses from various clinical specialties in Italy were involved. The questionnaire assessed individual variables, knowledge, attitudes, practices, as well as structural and process-related variables influencing AMS. Statistical analyses were performed, encompassing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results A total of 1,651 nurses aswered the survey, with a participation rate of 50.8%. The participant demographic revealed that 77% were female, and they had an average of 15 years of experience. Workplace and regional factors were found to significantly impact both AMS practices and attitudes. Surgical nurses reported higher practices scores (β = 0.467, P <.01), while critical care nurses scored lower (β= -0.398, P <.01). Regarding perceptions of structure, workplace characteristics significantly influenced nurses’ scores, indicating lower perceptions among surgical nurses compared to their medical counterparts (β= -0.315, P <.01). Conclusions The study reveals the intricate interplay between internal and external factors that impact nurses’ AMS competence. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and education initiatives to enhance nurses’ AMS competencies. Specifically, addressing variations in settings and nurses’ behaviours becomes imperative for achieving improved patient outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-025-01531-8Antimicrobial stewardshipNursing competenceItalian healthcareNationwide surveyInfection control
spellingShingle Matteo Danielis
Tania Buttiron Webber
Chiara Barchielli
Maria Mongardi
Domenico Regano
Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control
Antimicrobial stewardship
Nursing competence
Italian healthcare
Nationwide survey
Infection control
title Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey
title_full Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey
title_fullStr Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey
title_full_unstemmed Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey
title_short Unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among Italian nurses: results from a nationwide survey
title_sort unveiling antimicrobial stewardship competence among italian nurses results from a nationwide survey
topic Antimicrobial stewardship
Nursing competence
Italian healthcare
Nationwide survey
Infection control
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-025-01531-8
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