title: Strategies for improving antibiotic use in Qatar: a survey of pharmacists' perceptions and experiences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to identify antimicrobial stewardship activities in Qatar, identify pharmacist involvement in activities and summarize perceived barriers for implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was developed based on study objectives and completed by pharmacists in Qatar.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most hospital settings have implemented components of ASP. Lack of infectious disease specialists and training of healthcare providers was the most common barrier to implementation or expansion of ASP identified in the hospital and community settings respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pharmacists report some components of ASP have been implemented; however, barriers must be overcome to further expand ASPs.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pawluk
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Alla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El-Awaisi
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D006801:Humans; D011780:Qatar
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents
keywords: Qatar; antibiotics; antimicrobial stewardship; clinical pharmacy