Antibiotic discontinuation through an antibiotic treatment optimization program in emergency department patients with low suspicion of infection

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important strategies of PROA in the Emergency Department (ED) is the accurate diagnosis of infection to avoid inappropriate prescription. Our objective is to evaluate patients who receive antibiotics despite not having objective data of infection.

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study of patients admitted to the ED of the Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón in which it was recommended to suspend the antibiotic through the PROA. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics and 30-day follow-up were analyzed to assess readmissions and mortality.

Results: 145 patients were analyzed. It was recommended to suspend the antibiotic in 25. 44% of them had a diagnosis of urinary infection. The suspension recommendation was accepted by 88%. No patient died and one was readmitted.

Conclusions: An important percentage of patients are prescribed antibiotics despite not having infection criteria, the clinical evolution after suspension of antibiotics was favorable.

Keywords: Antibiotic suspension; Emergency Department; Infección; Infection; PROA; Servicio de Urgencias; Suspensión de antibióticos.