EP-145 Prescription of antimicrobials…according to the guidelines?!

Abstract

Abstract Aim The trust guidelines do not recommend prescription of Co-amoxiclav and Metronidazole concurrently in the mentioned group of patients. This study aims to discern and improve the adherence to trust guidelines of antibiotics prescription in general surgery and urology patients. Methods A retrospective review over a period of three months was analyzed, wherein record sampling was done on two occasions with 584 and 490 patients respectively, with majority (280 and 254) admitted electively. The study comprised patients admitted to general surgery and urology departments. Data was assembled on patient demographics and use of antibiotics. Results 51 patients (8.73% of 584) were prescribed both Co-Amoxiclav and Metronidazole during the first cycle. This number fell to 34 (6.9% of 490) during the second cycle. Prescription of antibiotics was observed to be maximum in emergency patients admitted in A&E. Furthermore, one patient in the first cycle was prescribed Metronidazole despite being allergic to it. Patients reported to be penicillin allergic were 48 and 26 in the two cycles respectively. It was found out that majority of the patients were discharged on the same day of admission. Conclusion Although, a minimal improvement (1.8%) in antibiotic (Co-Amoxiclav & Metronidazole) prescription was observed over the duration of the study, the trust guidelines on antimicrobials usage was not adhered to satisfactorily. Therefore, there is a need to create awareness among clinicians regarding the guidelines of appropriate antibiotic prescription.