Knowledge, perceptions and practices of community pharmacists towards antimicrobial stewardship: A systematic scoping review

The scope of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) surveys on community pharmacists (CPs) is uncertain. This study examines the breadth and quality of AMS survey tools measuring the stewardship knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of CPs and analyse survey outcomes. Following PRISMA-ScR checklist and Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework seven medical databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, assessed quality of surveys and KPP outcomes were analysed and described. Ten surveys were identified that assessed CPs’ AMS perceptions (n = 7) and practices (n = 8) but none that assessed AMS knowledge. Three survey tools had been formally validated. Most CPs perceived that AMS improved patient care (median 86.0%, IQR, 83.3–93.5%, n = 6), and reduced inappropriate antibiotic use (84.0%, IQR, 83–85%, n = 2). CPs collaborated with prescribers for infection control (54.7%, IQR 34.8–63.2%, n = 4) and for uncertain antibiotic treatment (77.0%, IQR 55.2–77.8%, n = 5). CPs educated patients (53.0%, IQR, 43.2–67.4%, n = 5) and screened guideline-compliance of antimicrobial prescriptions (47.5%, IQR, 25.2–58.3%, n = 3). Guidelines, training, interactions with prescribers, and reimbursement models were major barriers to CP-led AMS implementation. A limited number of validated survey tools are available to assess AMS perceptions and practices of CPs. AMS survey tools require further development to assess stewardship knowledge, stewardship targets, and implementation by CPs.