Implementing an automatic fluoroquinolone therapeutic interchange program in a community hospital

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Health Administration
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Antibiotic stewardship is crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Therapeutic interchange programs can optimize antibiotic use and reduce costs.
• Fluoroquinolones are a critical class of antibiotics requiring careful formulary management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of an automatic therapeutic interchange program for fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
• To detail the selection process for a representative fluoroquinolone agent for formulary use.
• To outline the steps involved in establishing a formulary policy for antibiotic interchange.

Main Methods:

• A P&T Committee evaluated fluoroquinolone antibiotics based on efficacy, formulation availability, and cost.
• A single agent, ciprofloxacin, was chosen as the class representative.
• Implementation steps for the automatic therapeutic interchange policy were documented.

Main Results:

• Ciprofloxacin was selected as the primary fluoroquinolone for formulary use.
• An automatic therapeutic interchange policy was successfully developed and implemented.
• The process considered key factors for optimizing antibiotic selection.

Conclusions:

• Automatic therapeutic interchange programs can streamline antibiotic selection.
• Ciprofloxacin serves as an effective class representative for fluoroquinolones in this hospital.
• The presented implementation strategy offers a model for other institutions.