A comparison of antibiotic point prevalence survey data from four Irish regional/general hospitals

Point prevalence surveys (PPS) are increasingly used to examining and compare hospital antibiotic consumption. The aim of this study was to identify the (1) point prevalence of antibiotic use in one regional hospital and (2) compare PPS data from similar regional/general hospitals.

Data were collected on all inpatients with an active antibiotic prescription and on all prescriptions issued in the emergency department over a 24-h period. Point prevalence data were obtained from three other regional/general hospitals.

The frequency of antibiotic use was hospital A = 29%, B = 38%, C = 34% and D = 37%. Overall, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic was co-amoxiclav (30%), followed by macrolides (12%). However, new generation broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as piperacillin/tazobactam or ciprofloxacin, were also commonly used. Prescribing for common conditions such as respiratory infection or cellulites showed diverse antibiotic selection.

Point prevalence survey data using a standardised methodology could facilitate both local audit and national benchmarking to monitor antibiotic use.