Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
A Point Prevalence Survey of Antibiotic Use among Inpatients at a Tertiary Care Health Facility in Kolkata
Chiranjib Bagchi1, Shreyashi Dasgupta2, Trisha Sarkar3
1Clinical Pharmacologist and Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Tamralipto Government Medical College and Hospital, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India, Corresponding Author.
Background:
Inappropriate use of antibiotics can have a significant impact on health care costs, increasing the likelihood of adverse drug reactions (ADR) and acting as a primary contributor to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Objective:
To get baseline data on the pattern and characteristics of antibiotic use among the inpatients at a particular tertiary care health facility in Kolkata.
Materials And Methods:
This point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted in the study hospital as a part of the first multicentric survey at NACNET (National Antimicrobial Consumption Network) sites, India. Data from all indoor admitted patients (medical wards) were collected, using a pretested Google Form, at 9:00 AM on a single day in the month of December 2021. The total number of beds covered was 148. Antibiotic use was classified as empiric, definitive, or prophylactic.
Results:
Cumulatively, 118 antibiotic prescribing encounters were documented among 84 surveyed patients. A total of 72.61% (n = 61) of admitted patients were on antibiotics. Out of these, 19.04% (n = 16) patients received one antibiotic, 46.42% (n = 39) patients received two antibiotics, and 7.14% (n = 6) patients received three or more antibiotics. The rest 27.38% (n = 23) of patients did not receive any antibiotics. The top two antibiotics prescribed were doxycycline and gentamicin, both from the "Access" category. When taking into account the total prescribing encounters of antibiotics, about 50.84% (n = 60), 42.37% (n = 50), and 6.77% (n = 8) were from the Access, Watch, and Reserve groups, respectively. The average number of antibiotics prescribed was 1.40 per eligible patient.
Conclusion:
The relatively high use of antibiotics observed can be attributed to the study site being a tertiary care hospital specializing in the treatment of infectious diseases. This study showed the feasibility of conducting a point prevalence survey in a tertiary care public facility hospital with a paper-based medical record system. The study results emphasized the need to implement activities such as prescription audit, hospital antibiotic policy, and antibiotic stewardship program in the future.
Insights
This study surveyed antibiotic use in a Kolkata hospital, finding high prescription rates. Implementing audits and stewardship programs is crucial to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Inappropriate antibiotic use escalates healthcare costs, adverse drug reactions (ADR), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- Understanding antibiotic consumption patterns is vital for effective antimicrobial stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline data on antibiotic prescribing patterns and characteristics.
- To assess antibiotic use among inpatients at a tertiary care facility in Kolkata.
Main Methods:
- A point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted on a single day in December 2021.
- Data were collected from 148 beds across medical wards using a pretested Google Form.
- Antibiotic use was categorized as empiric, definitive, or prophylactic.
Main Results:
- 72.61% of surveyed patients were on antibiotics, with an average of 1.40 antibiotics per patient.
- Doxycycline and gentamicin were the most prescribed antibiotics.
- 50.84% of prescriptions were from the "Access" group, 42.37% from "Watch", and 6.77% from "Reserve".
Conclusions:
- High antibiotic use is linked to the hospital's specialization in infectious diseases.
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of PPS in a public tertiary care hospital.
- There is a need for prescription audits, hospital antibiotic policies, and stewardship programs.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management