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Abstract
Objective: Antibiotics are the most frequently used drugs in our country, as being all over the world. It has been shown that the rate of inappropriate use of antibiotics is around 40% to 60% in hospitals. Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics causes emergence of resistant organisms, significant adverse effects, increased costs and increased morbidity and mortality.
Methods: This study was carried out at Midyat State Hospital between June 2007 and June 2008. The period of time between June 2006 and June 2007 and between June 2007 and June 2008 are defined as Period I and II, respectively. Antibiotics which were given to inpatients and for surgical prophylaxis were followed up. Subsequently, usage ratios of antibiotics in Period I and II were compared for a cost-utility analysis.
Results: The total cost of inappropriate antibiotic use per year was calculated as 55 750.4 TL in our hospital. However, the most frequent cause of inappropriate use in surgical prophylaxis was related to prolonged use of prophylactic antibiotics (16.2%).
Conclusions: Several strategies for regulating antimicrobial prescribing practices may be proposed, such as formulary replacement or restriction, healthcare provider education, feedback activities, and approval from an infectious diseases physician. However, a multidisciplinary antibiotic team organized for hospitals to approve the appropriate antibiotic use may be another alternative.