Eva Past, Laura Hartmann, Robert Zimmermann, Georg Zimmermann, Markus Wallner, Lisa Walter, Ulrike Porsche, Jan Marco Kern
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Antimicrobial overuse and misuse remain critical challenges. This study examined pharmacist-led post-prescription interventions targeting restricted antimicrobials in a university hospital, identifying underlying drug-related problems (DRPs), their clinical relevance, economic impact and characteristic patterns of inappropriate use.
Methods: A retrospective observational analysis (January- December 2022) was conducted at the Salzburg State Hospitals using routine data of pharmacist-led interventions on restricted antimicrobials. DRPs and intervention types were categorized using validated criteria. Clinical relevance was independently assessed through an external survey, and interrater reliability was determined to ensure consistency in classification and evaluation. Potential cost savings and acceptance rates of the pharmaceutical interventions were assessed.
Results: A total of 3897 restricted antimicrobial prescriptions were analyzed, with 11.7% (456) showing at least one DRP in 366 patients. The majority of DRPs (80.2%) exhibited marked clinical relevance, mainly due to non-conformance with guidelines (27.4%), unclear indication (27.2%), and the need for patient or drug monitoring (12.5%). Broad-spectrum agents linezolid (25.0%), meropenem (24.1%), ciprofloxacin (15.8%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (8.8%) accounted for nearly 74% of all DRPs. DRP-related interventions aimed at optimizing PK/PD parameters (30.6%), treatment discontinuation (28.1%), and de-escalation (17.9%). The acceptance rate of interventions was high (82.7%). A cost reduction potential was identified in 89.7% of interventions, saving €180,420 in avoided drug expenses.
Conclusion: Pharmacist-led post-prescription interventions within an established AMS program effectively identified clinically relevant misuse of restricted antimicrobials. Targeted actions on key agents enable high-impact optimization, supported by strong acceptance and cost-saving potential - thereby enhancing stewardship efforts, guiding improvements in diagnostics, and prescribing behavior.
期刊介绍:
Infection is a journal dedicated to serving as a global forum for the presentation and discussion of clinically relevant information on infectious diseases. Its primary goal is to engage readers and contributors from various regions around the world in the exchange of knowledge about the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, both in outpatient and inpatient settings.
The journal covers a wide range of topics, including:
Etiology: The study of the causes of infectious diseases.
Pathogenesis: The process by which an infectious agent causes disease.
Diagnosis: The methods and techniques used to identify infectious diseases.
Treatment: The medical interventions and strategies employed to treat infectious diseases.
Public Health: Issues of local, regional, or international significance related to infectious diseases, including prevention, control, and management strategies.
Hospital Epidemiology: The study of the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings and the measures to prevent nosocomial infections.
In addition to these, Infection also includes a specialized "Images" section, which focuses on high-quality visual content, such as images, photographs, and microscopic slides, accompanied by brief abstracts. This section is designed to highlight the clinical and diagnostic value of visual aids in the field of infectious diseases, as many conditions present with characteristic clinical signs that can be diagnosed through inspection, and imaging and microscopy are crucial for accurate diagnosis. The journal's comprehensive approach ensures that it remains a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and researchers in the field of infectious diseases.