Developing a Web-Based Tool Using Hospital-Specific Cumulative Antibiogram Data

Abstract

Objective To develop new methods of using hospital-specific antibiograms. Methods An electronic database of the results of hospital-specific antibiograms from 1989 to 2001 was constructed. To aid clinicians in selecting empiric treatment for infection, a table of antibiotics of choice with assigned values to corresponding pathogens was derived from the database. A searchable version of the database was also created and installed on the hospital's Web site, as a resource for clinicians. Users may view the data online or download it in personal digital assistant (PDA) format. Results The table of antibiotics of choice and the searchable database became available on our hospital Web site, at http://www.sfmc.net/services/allServices/Pharmacy/inpatientPharmacy.html . Conclusion This article describes a novel way of using hospital-specific antibiogram data. Beyond spot viewing of a year-long antibiogram, the long-term trends revealed by the database should provide a more in-depth resource for clinicians selecting empiric therapy for infectious diseases. It is hoped that placing this information on the Internet and making it accessible on a PDA will increase the utility of local microbiological data.