Antimicrobial stewardship and pre-registration student nurses: Evaluation of teaching

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern. It is therefore imperative that healthcare professionals receive ongoing and relevant education and training to ensure they are competent in contributing to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). At present, few undergraduate nursing programmes include AMS within their curriculum. Objective: The aim of the evaluation was to determine the relevancy of AMS within the undergraduate nursing programme through the perceptions of student nurses. Methods: A survey questionnaire was used to obtain undergraduate perceptions of AMS and the relevance to them and their clinical practice. Results: Our evaluation of this educational programme demonstrated that providing AMS education to undergraduate student nurses raises awareness of current challenges around AMR and reinforces the vital role nurses play in enhancing AMS and infection prevention and control. Discussion: This evaluation and current literature demonstrate a necessity for AMS to be embedded throughout undergraduate nursing education. Additionally, there is also a requirement to develop clear educational pathways in AMS to ensure continued professional development and contribute towards the advancement of the nursing role in AMS. By doing so, we will continue to build capacity and capability for the future delivery of healthcare.