Drug usage patterns in the ICU: profile of a major metropolitan hospital and comparison with other ICUs

Drug use patterns observed in an intensive care unit (ICU) at a large tertiary teaching hospital (Brigham & Women's Hospital [BWH], Boston) were documented and compared with patterns reported from ICUs of hospitals at two other sites. Antibiotics, analgesics, and H2 antagonists were the most frequently prescribed classes of drugs. Despite the variability in ICU populations studied, similar patterns of drug use (drug classes and frequency of use) were seen at all three institutions. Pharmacy charges for ICU care at BWH were calculated with respect to total hospitalization charges and were found to account for 10% of total charges. Identifying drug use patterns in ICUs--an area of potentially high drug use, risk, and cost--provides valuable information for P & T Committees as well as for medical staff quality assurance and usage evaluation functions.