Implementation of a hospital-wide project for appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hospital Administration
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health threat.
• Appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) is crucial in surgical settings.
• Previous strategies have shown variable success in controlling resistant organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a hospital-wide intervention on appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) use.
• To assess the effect of this intervention on the incidence of antibiotic-resistant organisms, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA.
• To confirm the efficacy of optimized AMP protocols in reducing surgical site infections caused by resistant bacteria.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-wide project was implemented, involving 15 surgical department manuals for AMP use.
• Compliance rates and AMP administration (intraoperative, postoperative timing, and duration) were compared pre- and post-intervention.
• Isolation rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA from postoperative cultures were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The duration of AMP use was significantly reduced from 2.4 ± 1.9 to 1.6 ± 1.5 days (P < 0.001).
• Postoperative AMP discontinuation within 48 hours increased from pre-intervention to post-intervention.
• Isolation rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa significantly decreased from 13% to 7.3% (P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

• A hospital-wide project promoting appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) use is effective in reducing antibiotic-resistant organisms.
• Shortening the duration of AMP use is a key component in decreasing the isolation rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Optimized AMP strategies contribute to better antimicrobial stewardship and infection control.