Healthcare worker views on antimicrobial resistance in chronic respiratory disease

<bold>Background:</bold> Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in chronic respiratory disease is a global crisis. However, little is known regarding the specific challenges faced by healthcare workers across the world in this area. <bold>Aim:</bold> To survey healthcare workers globally regarding the burden of AMR in chronic respiratory disease and challenges in the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in their regions. <bold>Methods:</bold> An online survey was sent to healthcare workers with an interest in respiratory AMR, including members of the ERS AMR-Lung Clinical Research Collaboration. <bold>Results:</bold> 215 responses were received, across 49 countries. 74.0% have seen patients die due to lack of treatment options because of AMR in respiratory disease. There were differences in perceived high-priority species between Europe and Asia (Figure 1). 74.4% stated that inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in respiratory disease was common in their area. However, only 48.4% stated that there were adequate antimicrobial stewardship programmes in their area, with limited availability in outpatient (42.5%) and ambulatory settings (41.6%). Developing rapid diagnostics for antimicrobial susceptibility (60.9%) was the most common challenge in implementing antimicrobial stewardship. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> AMR has significant perceived global burden in chronic lung disease by healthcare professionals, however implementation of antimicrobial stewardship is poor. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA5455/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>