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Neutropenia and Cancer Infections · Journal article
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society · August 29, 2026
Early or partial results. Treat as a signal, not a conclusion.
This pilot validates a 61-item knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey on antibiogram use among healthcare professionals in pediatric oncology across LMICs. Eight respondents (four with ABG access, four without) reviewed survey clarity and relevance, yielding Likert-scale ratings of 68%–100% agreement. The pilot identified terminology and sequencing issues, leading to instrument refinements; it does not measure ABG implementation barriers or outcomes, nor test any intervention.
Cross-sectional pilot survey validation study. Eight healthcare professionals (microbiologists and non-microbiologists) from Eastern Mediterranean and African institutions in the ABG Working Group affiliated with St. Jude's Global Infectious Disease Network, who create or use cumulative antibiograms in pediatric cancer programs.. Intervention: 61-item knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey on cumulative antibiogram use, covering demographics, ABG knowledge/attitudes/practices, and educational preferences.. n = 8. Eastern Mediterranean and African (EMA) institutions (specific countries and centres not named)..
Eight respondents participated in pilot testing, stratified by ABG access and professional role (microbiologist vs non-microbiologist). Likert scale ratings showed strong agreement on clarity and relevance ranging from 68% to 93% across four domains. Respondents with ABG access reported balanced coverage of knowledge, attitudes, and practices above 75%.
Safety was not reported in the material analysed. Check the source before drawing any conclusion about harm.
This pilot does not yet inform clinical practice. Results will guide refinement of a survey instrument intended to identify barriers and facilitators to antibiogram implementation in LMIC pediatric oncology settings; the finalized survey will be disseminated for full-scale data collection to inform future educational and implementation interventions.
This is a pilot feasibility and instrument validation study with a very small sample (n=8) testing survey clarity and comprehension, not a clinical or implementation outcome.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
This pilot does not yet inform clinical practice. Results will guide refinement of a survey instrument intended to identify barriers and facilitators to antibiogram implementation in LMIC pediatric oncology settings; the finalized survey will be disseminated for full-scale data collection to inform future educational and implementation interventions.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
Abstract Background The effective use of antibiograms (ABG) is essential for optimizing antimicrobial therapy, particularly in Lower- and Middle- Income Countries (LMIC), where high rates of antimicrobial resistance, limited diagnostics, and resource constraints pose significant challenges. Without structured ABG development and implementation, clinicians lack essential data to guide empirical therapy, leading to inappropriate antibiotic use, treatment failures, and increased resistance.1, 2 Despite their importance in antimicrobial stewardship, ABG utilization in LMICs remains inconsistent. Literature reviews reveal limited emphasis on antibiogram and few studies evaluating their effectiveness as a quality improvement tool. Guidance on best practices for ABG development, interpretation, and integration into clinical decision-making, particularly in pediatric oncology settings, is insufficent.3Addressing these knowledge gaps is vital for improving infection management, supporting antimicrobial stewardship, and informing policy. This study aims to identify key insights into the barriers and facilitators of ABG implementation in LMICs. Methods A cross-sectional, online survey was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of those who create cumulative antibiograms and those who use them in different settings treating children with cancer, across the globe, including St. Jude’s Global Infectious Disease Network. Survey content was based on literature, CLSI M39-A4 guidelines, and expert advisors. The 61-item instrument covered demographics, ABG KAP, and educational preferences. Built in Google Forms with anonymous response collection, the survey was piloted within the ABG Working Group from multiple Eastern Mediterranean and African (EMA) institutions to assess clarity and comprehension. The piloted survey feedback was analyzed to inform revisions. Results Eight respondents participated in the pilot: four with ABG access and four without, stratified into microbiologist vs non-microbiologist. Likert scale ratings showed strong agreement on clarity and relevance (68%-93%) across the four domains. Respondents with ABG access indicated balanced coverage of KAP above 75%. Respondents without ABG access and non-microbiologists provided the lowest ratings (68%) citing unclear terminology and sequencing. Relevance of questions scored highest (100%), while balance across domains scored lowest (58%–75%). These findings guided refinements in terminology, question sequencing, and scaling for contextual relevance. Conclusion Pilot testing confirmed overall clarity and relevance, with higher ratings among respondents with ABG access. Lower scores among those without access highlighted the need for simplified terminology and improved sequencing. Revisions enhanced contextual applicability across diverse settings. The finalized survey will be disseminated through the Global Infectious Disease Network, and results will inform educational interventions to strengthen ABG use in LMIC pediatric oncology programs.
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