Researchers conducted a formal review of all critical care patients on their third or tenth day of antibiotic therapy. In addition, the researchers delivered suggestions for improved antimicrobial stewardship to the critical care team. This study was carried out at a tertiary care center with three intensive care units.
The researchers found the two-pronged approached helped monthly broad-spectrum antibiotic use fall from 644 days of therapy per 1,000 patient-days to 503 days. In addition, the incidence of C. difficile infections fell from 11 to six cases. Control units in the study did not see any decrease in therapy days or infection rates.
The researchers concluded a formal system of review and feedback on antimicrobial stewardship may improve antimicrobial use.
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