Managing Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: The Role of Nurses in Prevention and Surveillance

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has also become the biggest threat to global health, in which it resists five decades of medical care and advances in public health. Resistance is a result of the capabilities of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi to develop strategies that enable their survival even when exposed to antibiotics which normally would kill them. These infections are tougher to handle, and the resultant effects of such resistance are increased length of sickness, higher treatment costs, and an appreciable increase in mortality rates. Thus, nurses being primary caregivers in these situations are bound to participate actively in the infection management and prevention of the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. It ranges from infection control to patient education, surveillance, and early detection of resistance patterns. The nurses are very much in the lead when it comes to the application of infection control protocols, hygiene, and education on the responsible use of antibiotics by the patients. They also play a very significant role in the early detection of the signs of infection for appropriate adoption of early interventions that prevent further spread. More so, in collaboration with multidisciplinary health teams, the nurses provide valuable insights into treatment and assist in the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs to minimize the use of antibiotics. Despite their essential role in the current increase in antimicrobial resistance, it has always been the case for nurses to face challenges based on deficient resources, absence of periodic training, and even resistance to change in behavior practices among both patients and health professional environments. Considering this fact, continuous professional development, improvement in strategies related to infection control, and investment in more technology and tools become highly critical needs. Such strengthening of support to the nursing staff becomes very critical considering the current fight against antibiotic resistance in many parts of the world, implying thereby that health systems would be better positioned to handle and prevent life-threatening infections.