Exploration of Providers’ Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Phage Therapy and Intentions for Future Adoption as an Alternative to Traditional Antibiotics in the US—A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores US healthcare providers' awareness and willingness to adopt phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics for treating resistant bacterial infections.

Contribution

The study identifies factors influencing healthcare providers' openness to phage therapy and emphasizes the need for education and clinical guidance.

Findings

Only 49% of surveyed providers were knowledgeable about phage therapy despite 99% being aware of antimicrobial resistance.

56% of providers were open to considering phage therapy, with willingness linked to prior knowledge and training.

Educational initiatives and clinical guidance are recommended to promote phage therapy adoption.

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance presents a global threat, making the swift development of alternative treatments essential. Phage therapy, which employs bacterial viruses that specifically target bacteria, shows promise. Although this method has been utilized for over a century, primarily in Eastern Europe, its use in the US remains limited. This study aimed to assess the awareness and willingness of US healthcare providers to adopt phage therapy in response to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. A survey of 196 healthcare providers, primarily MDs and DOs, found that while 99% were aware of antimicrobial resistance, only 49% were knowledgeable about phage therapy as a treatment for resistant bacterial infections. Nonetheless, 56% were open to considering phage therapy, and this willingness was associated with prior knowledge, concerns about antibiotic resistance, previous training, and confidence in recommending it (p < 0.05). Our study of U.S. healthcare providers revealed key findings about their views on phage therapy as a potential alternative for treating bacterial infections. Credible information is essential to promoting phage therapy use among U.S. providers via educational initiatives, clinical guidance, and research dissemination to promote phage therapy use among U.S. providers. Evidence-based education and clinical guidance help providers make sound decisions on the appropriate and safe use of phage therapy.

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