This study is designed to use a questionnaire to assess doctors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding bloodstream bacterial infections and antibiotic use in Tawam and Al Ain tertiary Hospitals (both hospitals have the same medical team) in Al Ain City, UAE.
Background: Bloodstream bacterial infection is a serious medical problem and one of the leading causes of death worldwide among all age groups. Appropriate and early antibiotic use has been associated with better outcomes based on many clinical trials. On the other hand, misuse and abuse of antibiotics have been linked to long hospital stays, significant morbidity and mortality, increased medical costs and rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Statistics in hospitals involved in the study, showed increased antibiotic consumption compared to previous years and other regional healthcare facilities. Rates of AMR in the UAE have increased significantly in the last decade, based on the 2022 annual report. Aims and objectives This study will assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding bloodstream bacterial infections and antibiotics use among doctors. It is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study that will be conducted at Tawam and Al Ain Hospitals (tertiary hospital, both hospitals have the same medical team). The investigators want to explore the degree of knowledge and attitude, assess the appropriate usage of antibiotics among doctors in different subspecialties, assess any possible barriers, and find solutions such as medical education for this challenging medical problem.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
An online questionnaire will be sent through e-mail to participants. It is divided into 4 sections: demography and general information 9 questions, knowledge 10 questions, attitude 10 questions and practice 10 questions. No previous similar studies were conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or internationally based on a search in PubMed and Cochrane library. Hence a validated questionnaire is lacking. Therefore, the questionnaire for this study is designed based on questions encountered daily by colleagues during the consultation, and it can serve the purpose of this study. Consent will be obtained and signed electronically by participants before starting the questionnaire. Participation involves minimal risk. Responses will be anonymous and confidential. Participants' involvement is voluntary, and they can withdraw at any time without any consequences. The time to complete the questionnaire is around 10-15 minutes. Each response will be saved using a unique identifier number.
Tawam and Al Ain Hospital
Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates
Understanding physician knowledge on antibiotic use in bacterial bloodstream infections (bacteremia).
Questions to assess physicians' knowledge related to basic microbiology, bacterial infections and antibiotic spectrum of activity using dichotomous questions; yes/no.
Time frame: 1 year
Understanding physician attitude on antibiotic use in bacterial bloodstream infections (bacteremia).
Questions to assess physicians' attitude in bacteremia management using dichotomous questions; yes/no, Likert scale or multiple choices.
Time frame: 1 year
Understanding physician practices on antibiotic use in bacterial bloodstream infections (bacteremia).
Questions to assess physicians' practice in bacteremia management using dichotomous questions; yes/no, or multiple choices.
Time frame: 1 year
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