Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health problem that threatens the ability to effectively treat bacterial infections. Responsible antibiotic use is essential to counteract the continued development of resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship is an important part of this effort and aims to promote the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics. Through their close contact with patients, nurses hold an important position in antimicrobial stewardship.

Aim: To explore nurses’ attitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare. 

Method: A structured literature review with a qualitative approach was conducted. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed and CINAHL using the PEO framework. This resulted in 12 articles being included following quality appraisal using the appraisal tool developed by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). The data were analysed using thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke (2006). 

Results: Three themes and nine subthemes emerged from the results. Nurses’ attitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship were characterized by patient-centredness and a sense of responsibility, as well as ambivalence regarding antibiotic use. Uncertainty regarding their own role and reluctance to influence antibiotic-related decisions also emerged. At the same time, nurses expressed a desire for greater involvement. 

Conclusions: Nurses’ attitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship reflect a commitment to safe and appropriate antibiotic use, while opportunities for involvement influence how they perceive their own role. Strengthening professional confidence and creating better opportunities for involvement may therefore be important for nurses’ continued participation in antimicrobial stewardship. 

Keywords: Antibiotic stewardship, attitudes, evidence-based nursing, nurse, patient safety, resistance.