Knowledge and practice on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in medical doctors from a tertiary hospital in Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CP-CRE) infection becomes a global public health threat. Medical doctors play a fundamental role in the clinical management and control of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant pathogens. However, in Cuba there are not previous studies on the knowledge and practice of medical doctors about CR-CRE.

Objective: To study the knowledge and practice of Cuban medical doctors in a tertiary hospital about CR-CRE infections, their clinical management, prevention and control.

Methods: It was conducted an observational study (descriptive, cross-sectional) and an specific questionnaire to 70 medical doctors was applied.

Results: There was variability on the opinions about CP-CRE and average knowledge in the majority of the respondents. 58.6% of the medical doctors had some experience in the clinical management of CP-CRE infections. Knowledge gaps were associated with the limited practical experience in the management of cases. There was statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge about CP-CRE of medical doctors with experience in the management of CP-CRE compared to inexperienced medical doctors (p = 0.039).

Conclusions: It is necessary to establish a continuous training plan on this topic to improve the performance of health professionals in the control of CP-CRE infections and in the appropriate use of antibiotics.