Student Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4000 Developing a Nursing Perspective
Prof. Name
Date
Applying Research Skills
Antibiotic resistance is rapidly evolving into a global public health emergency due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This escalating issue threatens the efficacy of life-saving treatments and demands immediate attention. The present paper explores how research skills were employed to uncover high-quality, evidence-based sources related to this topic. Through critical evaluation and the construction of an annotated bibliography, the paper highlights the scope of the problem, identifies contributing factors, and explores strategies for mitigating antibiotic resistance within healthcare systems.
Overview of the Healthcare Issue
Antibiotic resistance poses a critical challenge in modern healthcare, especially when bacteria develop the ability to withstand drugs designed to eliminate them. This phenomenon makes once-manageable infections more difficult to treat, resulting in longer hospitalization, elevated medical costs, and increased mortality rates. In particular, healthcare-associated infections caused by drug-resistant organisms exacerbate these risks, especially among immunocompromised or critically ill patients (Ahmed et al., 2024).
In response to these challenges, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention have gained significant traction. Nurses, who are often on the front lines of patient care, play a pivotal role in addressing this crisis. They contribute by educating patients on appropriate antibiotic use, adhering to infection control measures, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to implement stewardship initiatives. According to Bonacaro et al. (2024), effective nursing advocacy includes promoting hygiene practices, supporting prudent antibiotic prescriptions, and participating in policy reform. Their roles not only impact individual patient outcomes but also help shape institutional practices that minimize resistance.
The broader implications of antibiotic resistance require a coordinated approach among all healthcare professionals. Strategies rooted in evidence-based practice, combined with patient education and institutional support, are essential for reducing the prevalence of resistant infections. This underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration and policy-driven interventions to safeguard the future efficacy of antibiotics.
Discussion of Research
To explore antibiotic resistance comprehensively, systematic research was conducted using targeted keywords such as “antibiotic resistance,” “antimicrobial stewardship,” “drug-resistant infections,” and “infection control.” These terms were applied within databases accessible through the Capella University Library, including PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. These platforms were selected due to their reputation for providing high-quality, peer-reviewed academic literature.
Only sources published within the past five years were included to ensure the information reflected the most recent findings and interventions. A strict screening process was used to evaluate the relevance and credibility of each source using the CRAAP criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (Muis et al., 2022). Each article was assessed to verify the authors’ credentials, institutional affiliations, and the integrity of their methodologies. Emphasis was placed on selecting studies that offered empirical evidence and real-world applications within clinical practice.
The use of structured keyword searches allowed for the identification of studies focused on the causes of resistance, the impact on healthcare systems, and proposed interventions. The selected articles collectively provided insight into not only how resistance develops but also how interdisciplinary strategies can help prevent it. From promoting antimicrobial stewardship to adopting novel treatment methods, these resources contribute to a multifaceted understanding of the issue.
Table 1: Research Database Search Strategy
| Search Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Keywords Used | Antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control |
| Databases Accessed | PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar |
| Publication Date Range | 2020–2024 |
| Source Type | Peer-reviewed journal articles |
| Evaluation Tool | CRAAP (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) |
| Selection Focus | Causes, impacts, interventions, and prevention strategies of resistance |
Annotated Bibliography
Bankar, N. J., et al. (2022). This article emphasizes the importance of implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) in healthcare environments. It presents a range of strategies such as monitoring antibiotic use, promoting hygiene practices, and developing institutional policies to optimize antimicrobial usage. The authors argue that these strategies are essential in curbing resistance, improving patient outcomes, and minimizing healthcare costs. The focus on actionable steps for policy makers and healthcare professionals makes it an invaluable resource in designing evidence-based interventions.
Murugaiyan, J., et al. (2022). The authors of this study investigate alternative therapies to traditional antibiotics to address growing resistance. Novel solutions such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing, targeted protein therapies, and advanced delivery systems are explored. Emphasis is placed on the urgency of global collaboration and regulatory reform to support the development of new drugs. This source is critical in identifying future pathways for combating resistance beyond conventional pharmacological methods.
Salam, M. A., et al. (2023). This comprehensive article outlines the global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, attributing its rise to both medical and agricultural misuse of antibiotics. It highlights the biological mechanisms behind resistance and argues for urgent global reform, including surveillance systems, public awareness, and stricter regulatory frameworks. The article’s global perspective and multidisciplinary appeal make it particularly relevant to healthcare policymakers and clinical practitioners.
Summary
This research journey provided a deepened understanding of the complex nature of antibiotic resistance and the wide-ranging impacts on global health. Through the systematic application of research methods and the evaluation of credible sources, it became evident that combating antimicrobial resistance requires a multifaceted approach. Misuse of antibiotics in both human and animal health settings, along with insufficient regulatory oversight, are major contributors to this crisis.
Furthermore, the synthesis of literature revealed that antimicrobial stewardship, alternative therapeutic strategies, and institutional policies are critical components of resistance mitigation. Evaluating sources through the CRAAP criteria strengthened the ability to discern quality academic content, and the process enhanced skills in synthesizing data across multiple studies to support evidence-informed conclusions. This research not only informed academic growth but also illustrated the practical value of evidence-based strategies in resolving complex healthcare challenges.
References
Ahmed, S. K., Husein, S., Qurbani, K., Ibrahim, R. H., Fareeq, A., Mahmood, K. A., & Mohamed, M. G. (2024). Antimicrobial resistance: Impacts, challenges, and future prospects. Journal of Medicine Surgery and Public Health, 2(100081), 100081–100081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100081
Bankar, N. J., Ugemuge, S., Ambad, R. S., Hawale, D. V., & Timilsina, D. R. (2022). Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship in the healthcare setting. Cureus, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.26664
NURS FPX 4000 Assignment 2 Applying Research Skills
Bonacaro, A., Solfrizzo, F. G., Regano, D., Negrello, F., Domeniconi, C., Volpon, A., Taurchini, S., Toselli, P., & Baesti, C. (2024). Antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare: Exploring the role of nurses in promoting change, identifying barrier elements and facilitators—a meta-synthesis. Healthcare, 12(21), 2122. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12212122
Muis, K. R., Denton, C., & Dubé, A. (2022). Identifying CRAAP on the internet: A source evaluation intervention. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 9(7), 239–265. http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.97.12670
Murugaiyan, J., Kumar, P. A., Rao, G. S., Iskandar, K., Hawser, S., Hays, J. P., Mohsen, Y., Adukkadukkam, S., Awuah, W. A., Jose, R. A. M., Sylvia, N., Nansubuga, E. P., Tilocca, B., Roncada, P., Roson-Calero, N., Moreno-Morales, J., Amin, R., Kumar, B. K., Kumar, A., & Toufik, A.-R. (2022). Progress in alternative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance: Focus on antibiotics. Antibiotics, 11(2), 200. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020200
Salam, M. A., Al-Amin, M. Y., Salam, M. T., Pawar, J. S., Akhter, N., Rabaan, A. A., & Alqumber, M. A. A. (2023). Antimicrobial resistance: A growing serious threat for global public health. Healthcare, 11(13), 1946. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131946