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The Impact of Appropriate Antibiotic Prescribing on Treatment Evaluation Parameters
Matthias Adorka1, Mitonga Kabwebwe Honoré2, Martie Lubbe3
1School of Pharmacy, University of Namibia , Windhoek, Namibia.
Abstract:
The therapeutic impact of inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics is debatable, particularly in situations where infections are treated empirically with multiply prescribed antibiotics. Prescribers may remain under the illusion that such prescriptions are appropriate on the basis of any observed positive treatment outcomes, even though an antibiotic prescribed in such combination therapy may actually be infective against infecting pathogens. This, inevitably, promotes inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Prescribers may be motivated to make more conscious attempts to prescribe antibiotics appropriately if it is proven that judicious prescribing of antibiotics has positive impacts on treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of appropriate prescribing of antibiotics on treatment outcomes, days of patient hospitalization and costs related to antibiotic treatment. Observational data on antibiotic treatment were collected for a one-month period from case notes of all inpatients (n=307) and outpatients (n=865) at five government and mission hospitals in Lesotho. Prescriptions were classified into categories of appropriateness based on extents to which antibiotics were prescribed according to principles. Treatment success rates, mean days of hospitalization and costs of antibiotic treatments of inpatients treated with specified prescription categories were determined. Appropriate prescribing of antibiotics for inpatients had positive impacts on treatment outcomes, patients' days of hospitalization for infections and costs of antibiotic treatments. In outpatient settings, appropriate prescribing of antibiotics failed to show any significant impact on costs of antibiotics. Appropriate prescribing of antibiotics had a positive impact on patients' recovery and costs of antibiotic treatments in inpatient settings.
Insights
Appropriate antibiotic prescribing significantly improves patient recovery and reduces hospitalization costs in inpatient settings. Judicious antibiotic use is crucial for better treatment outcomes and cost-effectiveness in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The impact of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing on therapeutic outcomes is often underestimated, particularly with empirical combination therapies.
- Prescribers may mistakenly perceive inappropriate prescriptions as effective due to observed positive outcomes, fostering continued misuse of antibiotics.
- Demonstrating the benefits of judicious antibiotic prescribing can motivate healthcare professionals towards more appropriate practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of appropriate antibiotic prescribing on treatment success rates.
- To assess the effect of appropriate antibiotic use on patient hospitalization duration.
- To determine the influence of appropriate antibiotic prescribing on associated treatment costs.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted over one month, collecting antibiotic treatment data from 307 inpatients and 865 outpatients across five hospitals in Lesotho.
- Prescriptions were categorized based on adherence to established principles of antibiotic use.
- Treatment outcomes, mean hospitalization days, and antibiotic costs were analyzed for inpatients based on prescription appropriateness.
Main Results:
- Appropriate antibiotic prescribing in inpatients positively influenced treatment outcomes and reduced hospitalization days.
- Judicious antibiotic use in inpatient settings led to decreased costs associated with antibiotic treatments.
- In outpatient settings, appropriate antibiotic prescribing did not demonstrate a significant impact on antibiotic costs.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate antibiotic prescribing demonstrates a clear positive impact on patient recovery and treatment costs within inpatient environments.
- The findings highlight the importance of adhering to antibiotic prescribing principles to optimize patient care and resource utilization.
- Further research may be needed to explore the nuances of appropriate antibiotic use in diverse healthcare settings.
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