Background This study aims to describe the implementation of an information-based monitoring platform for rational use of antibiotics (IMPUA) in a Chinese university hospital, and to test the effectiveness of pharmacists’ interventions in the electronic prescription with the help of IMPUA.

Methods A computerised supervision system integrated with such new features as hierarchical management in terms of risks involved, limiting rights of antibiotic prescription, electronic control of drug prescribing, online acquisition of all antibiotic-related data, setting special prescriptions, and restricting the maximum dose and days of a single prescription. To test the effects of new features proposed by participating pharmacists, the number of high-risk warnings at different stages of IMPUA were statistically analysed.

Results Our preliminary study showed that IMPUA was feasible and effective for preventing or limiting irrational use of antibiotics. In particular, the number of high-risk warnings were substantially decreased after the options of ‘intervention’ and ‘interception,’ as proposed by participating pharmacists, were included in the system. There was a significant difference in percentage of level-4 (red) warnings between the non-intervention and intervention group (p<0.01).

Conclusions Professional information pharmacists, via participatory development, were able to help to improve or perfect the IMPUA. With active involvement of professional pharmacists, the IMPUA can help to reduce irrational antibiotic use and minimise the risk involved.