engleski

Antibiotic prescribing an a department of internal medicine

It has been estimated that more than 40% of antibiotic prescriptions in hospitals are inappropriate, thus contributing to emergence of resistance, adverse drug reactions and increased cost. Various interventions have been designed to reduce the misuse of antibiotics. Prior to implementation of such strategies, descriptive studies are proposed to provide a detailed knowledge of prescribing pattern. In this prospective, pilot study the utilization of antibiotics at the Department of Medicine, University Hospital Center Rijeka, Croatia was evaluated. During a period from 17 January to 21 February in 2003, patient charts were reviewed with regard to antibiotic prescribing. Antibiotics were prescribed to 119 patients (195 treatment courses). 67% of the patients were aged over 65. Antibiotics were prescribed mostly on empiric basis (63%). Two or more antibiotics were given to 44% patients. Majority of the patients were prescribed a broad spectrum agent. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were co-amoxiclav (20%), gentamycin (17%) and cefuroxime (13%). Antibiotics were mostly administered parenterally. In one third of the courses, restricted antimicrobial was prescribed. The amount and the pattern of antibiotic use varied among different internal medicine wards. Further assessment (diagnose linked) is needed to determine to what extent were antibiotics prescribed rationally.

antibiotics; Internal medicine

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