Factors influencing antibiotic prescribing by nurse practitioners: A quantitative pilot study using the theory of planned behavior

Background: The overuse of antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance (AR) and exposes patients to potential antibiotic-related harm. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are well positioned to optimize antibiotic use; however, little is known about the factors influencing NP prescribing behaviors.Purpose: Describe the knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in prescribing antibiotics among NPs practicing at a large university-affiliated health care system in the northeast United States.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional online anonymous survey using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. Nonparametric tests were used to examine differences in the dependent variables by demographic characteristics.Results: One hundred seventy-four of 618 NPs (28%) completed the survey. Almost all considered AR a problem in the United States, but only half considered it a problem in their health care setting. More than half indicated they prescribed antibiotics less than 25% of the time in daily practice. Most were confident in making antibiotic prescribing decisions. There was a positive relationship between years of experience as NPs and their confidence in making antibiotic prescribing decisions (p < .003) and an inverse relationship between years of experience as NPs and asking for advice from physicians or pharmacists when prescribing antibiotics (p < .002).Conclusion/Implications: With increasing numbers of NPs managing infectious diseases and prescribing antibiotics, these findings will inform interventions to support appropriate prescribing behaviors.