Objective To evaluate the adherence of an antibiotics algorithm for the treatment of pneumonia.

Methods A retrospective review of prescriptions was performed from January to April 2010 at three wards of a Danish hospital. Patients were included in the study if they were admitted with pneumonia or for observation for pneumonia. Intravenous benzylpenicillin was the first choice treatment for community acquired pneumonia, while the first choice for nosocomial pneumonia was intravenous ceforuxime. Switching from intravenous treatment to oral treatment was recommended. The algorithm also contained identification of first choice treatment for multiple infection foci.

Results Adherence to the algorithm was 91% regarding choice of antibiotics, 29% for switching from intravenous to oral treatment and 25% for additional infections other than pneumonia.

Conclusions Adherence to the algorithm was high, but there was still room for improvement with regard to switching from intravenous to oral treatment and treatment of infections with additional foci to pneumonia.