Antimicrobial utilisation in South Australian hospitals 2002-2004

Abstract

The South Australian statewide antimicrobial utilisation surveillance programme collects and reports on in-hospital antimicrobial usage data from South Australian metropolitan hospitals. Antimicrobial usage rates over the period of January 2002 – December 2004 are reported.

There has been a 3% increase in total annual usage over the period, with monthly analysis suggesting a small upward trend in total antimicrobial consumption. Antimicrobial consumption in intensive care units (ICUs) has shown a reduction of 14% over the 3 year surveillance period; however, monthly data demonstrates variable usage, making assessment of trends difficult. Changes in usage patterns for fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins have occurred, and should be the focus of antibiotic stewardship efforts. Comparison to international data shows that South Australian antimicrobial usage rates are high and efforts to optimise use of these agents should be encouraged.