WE6.4 Antimicrobial Stewardship in General Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Aims National guidance states that prolonged treatment of gentamicin must be discussed with an infection specialist or microbiology if it is to continue beyond 3 to 4 days. This project aimed to audit gentamicin prescribing in a General Surgical ward, against national guidelines and improve prescribing practice. Methods Data was collected prospectively over the course of seven days. General surgical admissions were analysed for any gentamicin therapy received, how many days of treatment were received, and if discussion with a specialist occurred if they received prolonged treatment. A novel sticker was introduced in patient notes to notify clinicians to review gentamicin therapy where appropriate. Data was re-audited 6 weeks later after interventions were introduced. Results Initially, 12 patients were identified as receiving gentamicin. Of these, 5 patients received prolonged treatment, 0 of whom had any formal discussion with a specialist documented. After interventions were introduced, 12 patients were again identified as receiving gentamicin. Of these, 2 received prolonged treatment, 100% of whom were discussed with a specialist and the decision was made for prolonged treatment in the absence of alternatives. Conclusions This small audit identified an area of improvement with regards to the prolonged treatment of gentamicin. A simple intervention proved to be effective and managed to improve prescribing practice by 100%.