LAUSR

BACKGROUND Optimizing the use of antibiotics in healthcare settings through stewardship programmes is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antibiotic resistance. This needs assessment was designed to provide current status of ASP's in healthcare facilities in Lagos State and identify gaps for future intervention. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered mailed questionnaire adapted from Center for Disease Control (CDC) Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programmes Assessment Tool to ascertain the extent and nature of ongoing ASPs among selected healthcare facilities in Lagos state and identify gaps for future interventional study. All data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS Out of 32 questionnaires sent out, 25 (78.13%) were completed and returned from three tertiary, six secondary, eleven primary and five private healthcare facilities in Lagos State. The mean year of practice of respondents was 13.96±7.8 (2 to 31 years). Six (24.0%) of the healthcare facilities had a team responsible for ASP operating at varying degrees of capacity while five (20.0%) of the facilities had a formal ASP. All six facilities with an AMS team had a medical doctor identified as the leader of the team and 5 (20.0%) had a pharmacist involved in implementation efforts as well. Routine pre-authorization for specific antibiotic was performed in 6 (24.0%) facilities, four of which monitor pre-authorization interventions. Only two (8.0%) facilities performed prospective audit and feedback for specific antibiotic agents. Private healthcare facilities were more likely to have information technology (IT) capability to support the needs of the antimicrobial stewardship activities. CONCLUSION This study revealed minimal ASP activities in healthcare facilities in Lagos State and highlighted possibilities of leveraging on available IT resources for a coordinated ASP strategy.