[Analysis of antibiotic utilization review at Landspitalinn, the University Hospital in Iceland.]

To describe the application of and analyze the cost effects of antibiotic utilization review at Landspitalinn, the National University Hospital in Iceland, and review the use of prophylactic antibiotics in a general surgical ward.

The study was undertaken during a two month period in 1996. Patients in wards 11-A and 11-B (general medical floors), ward 12-G (general surgery service) and 11-E (hematology service) were enrolled. A specialist in infectious diseases and a clinical pharmacist reviewed the antibiotic treatment daily. If felt appropriate a recommendation to change treatment was forwarded. The number of patients treated with antibiotics, recommendations, recommendations accepted, and types of suggestions were recorded. Minimal savings per day were calculated by subtracting the cost of the antibiotic treatment after recommended modifications from the cost of the previous treatment. Prophylactic surgical treatment was examined in ward 12-G during an additional month.

One hundred and fifty patients were treated with antibiotics during January and February 1996. The percentage of cases where changes in antibiotic treatment was recommended was 74% in 12-G, 65% in 11-E but 33% and 32% in 11-A and 11-B respectively. In ward 11-E, 80% of the recommendations were accepted and appropriate changes made, corresponding figures for the other wards were 93-100%. The most frequently recommended changes were stopping antibiotics (33%), reducing doses (31%) and switching to oral agents (19%). The minimum savings were estimated at ISK 210 000 per month if the effects of recommendations that were accepted were presumed to have lasted three days. Four percent of prescribed prophylactic surgical treatment was according to approved standards.

The results confirm the need to optimize the use of antibiotics at The National University Hospital. The antibiotic utilization review was well received and acceptance of recommendations was high. The application of antibiotic utilization review to the entire hospital could reduce antibiotic cost by as much as 30-36%.