Exploring the prescribing behaviours and the mind of antibiotic prescribers is critical for a successful antibiotic stewardship programme: Results of a survey from Eastern India.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis were used to ascertain practices, perceptions and barriers about antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in an oncology hospital in eastern India. In 2014 and 2017, 62% and 69.1% of the patients audited were found to be on anti infective medications respectively. Nearly 47% of patients in the study group (2014) who were on therapeutic antibiotics had an average cost of $46.48 per patient per day (inter-quartile range: $17.23-$94.76). Antibiotic related consultations from clinical microbiologists, was found to be in demand, and education of prescribers and policymakers was identified as critical to the success of ASP.