Abstract
Point prevalence surveys have been used internationally to characterize the use of antimicrobial agents. The primary objective of this study was to determine prevalence of antimicrobial use in the oncology population in Qatar. Data was collected from the National Center for Cancer Care and Research hospital over 3 separate days during a two week period. Adults admitted on the day of audit were included. Prevalence of antimicrobial use during the audit was 43% (25/58). The most commonly prescribed class of antimicrobial agents was penicillin/Beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations 39.4% (13/33). Findings demonstrate frequent antimicrobial consumption of broad spectrum antimicrobial agents which highlights the importance of expanding antimicrobial stewardship programs in this population.
Highlights
Point prevalence surveys have been used internationally to characterize the use of antimicrobial agents
A rise in rates of antimicrobial resistance and a decrease in development of new antimicrobial agents has internationally led to an interest in the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs
Data collection Data was collected from the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) on 3 separate days over a 2 week period between April 26 and May 3, 2012
Summary
Point prevalence surveys have been used internationally to characterize the use of antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should be designed to improve patient outcomes through multidisciplinary interventions using a variety of strategies designed to meet the specific needs of the health care institution [2]. Point prevalence surveys have been used internationally to characterize the use of antibiotics within and across institutions [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. This type of audit is useful to identify changes in prescribing practices over time and differences in prescribing practices between institutions [3]. Point prevalence surveys are useful for identification of targets for quality improvement and evaluation of the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship programs within an institution [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
