Cost reduction with successful implementation of an antibiotic prophylaxis program in a private hospital in Ribeirão...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Surgical Safety

Background:

• Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) is crucial for preventing surgical site infections.
• Suboptimal adherence to PAP protocols can lead to increased healthcare costs and antimicrobial resistance.
• Effective PAP program implementation is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the implementation process of a perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis program.
• To evaluate the impact of the PAP program on protocol compliance and associated costs.
• To assess the feasibility of the PAP program in a resource-limited setting.

Main Methods:

• A standardized PAP protocol was introduced in December 1994.
• Protocol compliance was monitored through random sampling of surgical procedures.
• The financial cost associated with incorrect PAP usage was calculated before and after program implementation.

Main Results:

• The cost of unnecessary PAP decreased dramatically across multiple surgical services, from over $4,000 to under $50 per month.
• Compliance with PAP protocols improved significantly, rising from 13.6% to 98% within three years.
• These improvements were achieved without the need for computerization, highlighting program simplicity.

Conclusions:

• Inefficient use of perioperative antibiotics represents a substantial waste of resources, particularly in developing nations.
• The implemented PAP program is a straightforward, cost-effective intervention.
• The program's success is attributed to participant commitment and institutional support, facilitating its adoption in other regional hospitals.