An automatic substitution policy for cefazolin

An automatic substitution policy was developed at Lions Gate Hospital whereby all orders for cefazolin to be administered Q6H were changed to Q8H without contacting the physician. Exceptions were made if "no substitution" was requested by the physician. Anticipated annual savings for drug and non-drug costs were $13,810 and $12,431 respectively, based on four months of the intervention. This policy proved to be a useful intervention in controlling drug costs at our institution and similar interventions will be considered in the future.