Hospital pharmacy acquisition of nonstocked antimicrobials-current processes and areas for improvement

The delivery of prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy for life-threatening infections is an important antimicrobial stewardship measure and a priority for hospitals.

To better understand U.S. hospital pharmacy stocking processes and acquisition of nonstocked antimicrobials and to identify strategies for improving this process.

This mixed-methods study recruited infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists. Semistructured interviews with pharmacists in Minnesota were conducted via video conferencing software from January 21, 2021, to March 17, 2021. Audio recordings of the interviews guided survey development and were also transcribed, coded, and qualitatively analyzed. Surveys were distributed throughout the United States via an e-mail listserv, and responses were collected between August 5, 2021, and September 15, 2021.

Ten interviews and 78 surveys were included in the analysis. Formulary and stocking practices varied based on institution. Stocking decisions were most frequently based on the frequency of use, clinical utility, and cost of antimicrobials. Nonstocked antimicrobials were often ordered from the wholesale distributor but, if needed urgently, acquired from another local institution. Antibacterial agents were the most frequently needed nonstocked antimicrobials, especially those targeting multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. When acquiring nonstocked antimicrobials, barriers include process inefficiencies, cost, availability, and safety concerns. Improved information sharing between local institutions may help improve this process.

In this exploratory study, antimicrobial stocking practices varied within U.S. hospitals. Acquisition of nonstocked, urgently needed antimicrobials from neighboring hospitals may be common; however, this process lacks guidance and is often inefficient. Establishing better mechanisms for information sharing may improve this process and should be explored.