The inadequate use of antibiotics in a gastroenterology department

Abstract

Antimicrobial agents are very important drugs in clinical practice, but it has been shown that these drugs are not correctly prescribed. The aim of the study consists in the evaluation of antibiotics’ usage for hospitalized patients in a gastroenterology department. The therapeutic plans of 98 hospitalized patients were analysed by a specialist in clinical pharmacology. The adequate use, optimal dosage, frequency and route of administration, duration of therapy according to indications and posology mentioned in guidelines and the final cost were considered. From 184 days of hospitalization in which the patients received antibiotics, in 36 days the treatment wasn't necessary, in 69 days the doses of antibiotics were inadequate, in 2 days there were problems which should have been treated with antibiotics but they were ignored. The total cost is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the real cost. The incorrect use of antibiotics has a negative impact on therapy costs and patients wellbeing. The identified errors are preventable ones and did not affect the patients’ quality of life.