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Criteria-based antimicrobial i.v. to oral conversion program
A U Okpara1, J J Maswoswe, K Stewart
1Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, Houston, TX 77026, USA.
Formulary (Cleveland, Ohio)
|May 8, 1995
Summary
A new IV to oral antimicrobial conversion program in a teaching hospital successfully transitioned 78 patients in two months. This initiative improved patient outcomes and physician prescribing while achieving significant cost savings.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hospital Administration
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- Parenteral antimicrobial use requires careful monitoring for appropriateness.
- Transitioning from intravenous (IV) to oral antimicrobial therapy can optimize patient care and reduce costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a criteria-based IV to oral antimicrobial conversion program.
- To monitor antimicrobial prescribing, facilitate IV to oral therapy transition, and control healthcare costs.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative development involving multiple hospital departments and the P & T Committee.
- Establishment of a criteria-based program for select antimicrobials in a 580-bed county teaching hospital.
- Physician education on appropriate parenteral antimicrobial prescribing.
Main Results:
- 78 patients were converted from IV to oral antimicrobial administration within the first two months.
- Estimated cost savings of $12,935 were achieved.
- Physician acceptance of interventions was high (84.6%), with all converted patients successfully treated with oral agents.
Conclusions:
- The IV to oral conversion program effectively reduced costs and improved patient outcomes.
- The program positively influenced physician prescribing habits regarding antimicrobial therapy.
- This initiative demonstrates a successful model for antimicrobial stewardship in a hospital setting.