Prophylactic Antibiotic Administration for Operations in a Teaching Hospital in Bushehr, Iran

One of the most effective modalities for reducing surgical site infection is the use of prophylactic antibiotics, but the inappropriate consumption of antibiotics before operations leads to an increased prevalence of resistant bacterial infections, adverse drug side-effects and financial burden. This study examined the logical administration of prophylactic antibiotics and its patient outcomes and compared the results with international guidelines.

In this study, 348 patients who were elective surgery candidates were assessed over six months. The patients’ demographic information, type of operation, and antibiotic indication, type, dosage, and time and duration of administration before the operation were entered into a checklist and the results were compared against the American Society of Health system Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines.

The indication for prophylactic antibiotics was correct in 88.5% of the 348 patients examined. In those with prophylactic antibiotic indication, the antibiotic type used before surgery was appropriate in 73 (83.9%) out of 87 cases. The antibiotic dosage before the surgery was correct in 72 (98.6%) patients. The timing of antibiotic administration was correct in 36 (49.4%) cases. The duration of antibiotic administration was in accordance with the standard guidelines in 53 patients (27.7%).

In this study, the lowest accordance with standard guidelines was observed in the duration of prophylactic antibiotic intake. Considering the side effects of antibiotic overuse and its financial burden, developing a unique standard guideline, providing training to the prescribers of medications to adhere to this guideline, and the careful tracking and receiving of feedback seem desirable solutions to overcome this challenge.