Researchers conducted an observational double-cohort study in a level 3 NICU at UnityPoint Health-Meriter in Madison, Wis. They studied antibiotic use before and after the implementation of the autostop initiative. The admission order set included 48 hours of ampicillin and gentamicin coverage.
Researchers found after implementation of the initiative total antibiotic doses given per patient decreased by 35 percent and doses per patient-day decreased by 25 percent.
Additionally, researchers saw a 66 percent decrease in the use of vancomycin, an antibiotic not included in the admission order set.
“An admission-order autostop was highly effective at decreasing antibiotic usage with no doses intended for a pathogen missed,” study authors concluded.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Obese hospital patients less likely to die from sepsis, study finds
Viewpoint: Why state-mandated nurse ratios could harm patient safety
Missouri heart attack patients now sent to best-equipped hospital — not always the closest
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.