Utilizing collaborative practice to achieve quality outcomes in gentamicin administration

An individualized weight-based gentamicin dosing program is used at this community hospital to achieve stable serum drug levels with optimal clinical outcomes. This program requires extensive communication between disciplines and because of its complexity, was identified by the nursing staff as being confusing to initiate and maintain. The authors report the work of an interdisciplinary team to streamline the ordering and administering process and to promote staff satisfaction in using the dosing program.