Restricting high-end antibiotics usage - challenge accepted!

OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leads to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. The rate of development of AMR is accelerated by the use and misuse of antimicrobials. Preauthorization and restricted use of high-end antibiotics are the key modalities of antimicrobial stewardship. Hence, choosing the right antibiotics is the key to better clinical outcomes and preventing resistance in hospitals as well as communities. The present study was done to assess the judicious usage of high-end antibiotics among inpatients treated at our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on high-end antibiotic usage using a structured proforma among inpatients treated at our hospital for a 3 month period. Department wise educational intervention was done and feedbacks were provided, after which reassessment was done. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: Meropenem was the most commonly used high-end antibiotics. After the feedback and intervention, there was 51.2% reduction in the unjustified antibiotic usage. The appropriateness of the usage increased from 77% observed during preintervention to 88% postintervention. CONCLUSION: The increasing compliance of judicious usage of high-end antibiotics needs to be sustained. Therefore, continuous strengthening of antimicrobial stewardship practices are crucial.