Computerized antimicrobial decision support for hospitalized patients with a bloodstream infection

We developed a computerized antimicrobial decision support program founded on our local bacterial susceptibility data. In a retrospective analysis of patients with a bloodstream infection, we compared the actual antimicrobials prescribed to the antimicrobials recommended by the program. We found the computer-guided therapy to be clinically and statistically more effective than the therapy initiated by the physicians. We conclude that computerized decision support can improve the targeting of empiric antimicrobial therapy.