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The effect of an education program on cefazolin prescribing
The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|March 10, 1989
Summary
A pharmacy educational program significantly reduced inappropriate cefazolin prescribing. This optimization in cefazolin use led to substantial cost savings, demonstrating the program
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cefazolin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
- Inappropriate prescribing of cefazolin can lead to increased costs and potential resistance.
- Pharmacy-led educational interventions are a strategy to improve antibiotic stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cefazolin prescribing patterns before an educational intervention.
- To assess the impact of a multifaceted educational program on cefazolin prescribing practices.
- To determine the effect of improved prescribing on healthcare costs.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of cefazolin orders was conducted over two 25-day periods (pre- and post-intervention).
- The educational program included drug information bulletins, committee letters, and pharmacist-physician communication.
- Statistical analysis (Z-test of proportions) was used to compare prescribing frequencies.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in cefazolin orders with frequencies greater than every eight hours was observed (p < 0.05).
- The total number of doses administered at more frequent regimens also decreased significantly.
- Cost savings of $1,727.71 were realized in the post-intervention period, extrapolating to $25,224.57 annually.
Conclusions:
- A multifaceted, pharmacy-based educational program effectively optimized cefazolin prescribing.
- Improved antibiotic stewardship through education resulted in significant cost reductions.
- This approach highlights the value of pharmacist-led interventions in antimicrobial stewardship.