An interrupted time series analysis of parenteral antibiotic use in Colombia

J Clin Epidemiol. 2003 Oct;56(10):1013-20. doi: 10.1016/s0895-4356(03)00163-x.

Abstract

A University-based hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, developed and implemented an educational intervention to complement a new structured antibiotic order form. This intervention was performed after assessing the appropriateness of the observed antibiotic prescribing practices using a quasi-experimental study. An application of interrupted time series intervention analysis was conducted in three antibiotic groups (aminoglycosides, cephradine/cephalothin, and ceftazidime/cefotaxime) and their hospital weekly rate of incorrect prescriptions before and after the intervention. A fourth time series was defined on prophylactic antibiotic use in elective surgery. Preintervention models were used in the postintervention series to test for pre-post series level differences. An abrupt constant change was significant in the first, third, and fourth time series indicating a 47, 7.3, and 20% reduction of incorrect prescriptions after the intervention. We conclude that a structured antibiotic order form, coupled with graphic and educational interventions can improve antibiotic use in a university hospital.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aminoglycosides / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis / standards
  • Cefazolin / administration & dosage
  • Cephradine / administration & dosage
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Colombia
  • Developing Countries
  • Drug Prescriptions / standards*
  • Drug Utilization Review / methods*
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Focus Groups
  • Formularies, Hospital as Topic / standards
  • Hospitals, Teaching / standards*
  • Humans
  • Medical Staff, Hospital / education
  • Models, Statistical

Substances

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephradine
  • Cefazolin