| Sub-title | |
| Authors | M A Borg P Zarb P Cuschieri T Piscopo E Scicluna |
| Abstract | Background: Antibiotic prescribing guidelines were introduced in St Luke's Hospital in 2004 as part of an educational initiative, aimed at improving the use of antibiotics, started three years earlier. Methods: The impact of the guidelines was assessed through a questionnaire sent to 300 medical professionals working in St Luke's Hospital. The respondents were asked to provide feedback on the impact that the guidelines had in their practice, as well as to respond to various conceptual questions relating to antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use. The yearly consumption of selected antibiotics was also analysed to evaluate whether the guidelines resulted in any appreciable differences in the patterns of use. Results: The questionnaire was replied by one hundred and seventy-six 176 doctors (12% consultants, 13.3% senior registrars, 16.7% registrars, 20% senior house officers, 38% house officers). Respondents indicated that they found the format and content of the guidelines useful. They strongly agreed that policies were useful tools to achieve best practice and that they felt that the issue of the guidelines did not interfere with their prescribing choices. However, replies were neutral as to whether the guidelines changed their individual prescribing practices and slightly negative when asked if prescription of third line agent should be restricted to infectious diseases specialists. Consumption of antibiotics following the start of the initiative fell by a third, particularly co-amoxiclav and erythromycin. However nonformulary antimicrobial consumption (e.g. carbapenems and quinolones) continued to increase. Conclusion: The introduction of antibiotic prescribing guidelines in St Luke's Hospital had a beneficial response from the users, both in terms of acceptance as well as practice, although the need for improvement remains. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | antibiotics, antibiotics, prescribing guidelines |