Background and Importance Several studies have indicated that pharmacists can play a key role in promoting the optimal use of antimicrobials and monitoring the prescriptions.

Aim and Objectives To assess the potential clinical and economic impact of pharmacist interventions (PIs) to improve antibiotic prescribing practices for hospital inpatients.

Material and Methods Prospective study in a public hospital (<200 beds) from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. All inpatients who received at least 24 hours of antimicrobial therapy were included. Any discharged patient who was readmitted was considered as a new patient. The pharmacist performed and recorded PIs in the electronic prescribing, focused on highly restricted drugs and prescriptions for >10 days. When necessary, the pharmacist interacted directly with the prescriber in person or by phone. To assess the potential impact of PIs, we utilised the CLEO tool.¹

Results A total of 847 antimicrobial PIs were proposed (in 696 patients), being 88% accepted (table 1). Regarding the clinical impact of PIs, the number of avoids or fatality PIs was 30 (4%). Almost half were graded as major (42%). PIs classified as moderate were 38%, minor or null significance were 17%. No adverse events were noted after implementing a PI in any patient. In relation to economic impact, 79% mean in a decrease in cost, 3% no change and 18% an increase in cost. The total saving in the study period was €164953.

Conclusion and Relevance PIs carried out to improve the use of antimicrobials positively impact on clinical and economic outcomes, with a high acceptance by physicians.

Reference

1. Vo HT, et al. Working group ‘valorization of pharmacist interventions’ of the French society of clinical pharmacy. CLEO: a multidimensional tool to assess clinical, economic and organisational impacts of pharmacists’ interventions. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2021;28(4):193–200.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest