A/prof Chris Degeling1
1University Of Wollongong
The rising rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) make the misuse of antibiotics in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) of global concern. Approximately 50% of prescriptions in RACFs are considered inappropriate; with antibiotic misuse in treatments of urinary tract and respiratory tract infections a common occurrence. International literature consistently identifies GPs, aged care nurses, and resident’s family members as making unique contributions to antibiotic prescribing decision pathways. Attention has been focused on understanding the role and perspectives of GPs and aged care nurses in antibiotic prescribing in RACF there is little understanding of the attitudes and knowledge of resident’s family members despite their role in antibiotic transactions. Nor is there significant discussion about the ethical appropriateness of requiring an frail and vulnerable population to bare the burdens of antimicrobial stewardship.
This paper reports on the findings of 8 dialogue groups with family members of older Australians. Drawing on a fictional scenario involving guideline compliant management of a urinary tract infection in RACF resident we explore the perspectives and moral intuitions of family members on the appropriateness of current models of care. As RACFs strive to develop AMS policies and practices, it is important to understand and consider the knowledge and beliefs that family members bring to antibiotic interactions. Given the burdens that withholding antibiotics can place on individuals we draw on this empirical data and current understandings of AMR in RACF to complicate the implied prioritisation of managing microbial public health risks over providing compassionate care to this vulnerable population.
Biography:
Bio to come