The Effect of Antibiotic Restriction Policy in a Neurology lnpatient Clinic

Abstract

Scientific Background: Antibiotics are among the most prescribed drugs in our country. They are used nearly 30% in in-patient population. Moreover, there is at least 45% wrong usage among them.. These result in unwarranted outcomes, such as resistance to microorganisms, financial burden, toxicity and ecological changes. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the cost and usage density of antibiotics in a university neurology inpatient clinics during three consecutive days before and after application of an antibiotic restriction policy implemented by Ministry of Health in April 2003. Material and Methods: This study has been conducted in 40 bed neurology inpatient unit of a 1050-bed local university hospital. With this new policy, the prescription and usage of some antibiotics in inpatient settings (i.e. piperacilin-tasobactam, ticarcilin-clavunate, meropenem, imipenem, glycoopeptide and amphoterisin-8) were allowed only after the consultation and suggestion of a specialist in Oepartment of tnfectious Diseases. Results: The assessment of three consecutive days in neurology clinics revealed that ACI value was found to be 69,4 DDD/ 100 HD before the application of new policy which reduced ta 68.8 after the applicaiton of new restriction policy. The ,ACI values of restrcited antibiotics dropped significantly after the introduction of new policy. The consultation requests from infectious disease department has increased from 4 to 13 after the introduction of new policy. The rate of development of new hospital infections did not show any increase during this period. Ouring three day evaluation period, 200 American dolars has been saved from the cost of antibiotics. Conclusions: The increase of consultations at department of infectious diseases also resulted in a reduction in redundant antibiotic usage in neurology clinics.