Prospective study of spontaneous medical utilization of antibiotics on the normal surgical ward--rationale and economic aspects
Schmidt-Matthiesen, A.; Schellmann, J.; Encke, A.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 115: 854-860
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 9931739 Document Number: 493416
For 8 months, the spontaneous behaviour of the surgeons concerning the use of antibiotics (AB) was studied. The study focused on the indication itself, the chosen substance, the method of drug administration, and the treatment duration. It was evaluated whether the use of AB was rational and what the economic consequences of inadequate use of AB are. Of a total of 1168 pts 21.1% received AB, 88% of them i.v. The intention of AB treatment was therapy in 56.3%, and prophylaxis in 43.7% beside the regular perioperative single shot regimen. More than every second AB prescription was irrational. More rational behaviour (indication, therapy once daily, sequential therapy, no postoperative prophylaxis, less i.v. AB) by the prescribing surgeons would have led to a saving of more than 60% of the total costs of DM 215,000 without any loss of antiinfective efficacy. Moreover, a more rational use of AB would mean prevention of infectious hospitalism and would save a lot of staff time.