Point prevalence study on the use of antibiotics at a tertiary healthcare institution during the absence of the COVID-19 wave

Abstract

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic still continues in waves. In this study, we aimed to identify the antibiotic prescribing approach and inappropriate antibiotic ratio, and to improve antimicrobial stewardship.Materials and Methods: This study is single-center, cross-sectional, and retrospective.We evaluated antibiotic usage using one-day point prevalence. The study was conducted on patients admitted to surgical wards, internal wards and intensive care units.Results: Of the study participants, 120 (52%) used antibiotics. Of the patients using antibiotics, 52 (43%) were male, and 68 (57%) were female. Of these patients, 65 (54%) were hospitalized in surgical units, 35 (30%) in internal units, and 20 (16%) in intensive care units. In 77 patient, antibiotics were started correctly and on the spot, and in 43, inappropriate antibiotic use was found. In these patients, 45% of antibiotics were started empirically, 21.7% based on culture, and 33.3% prophylactically.Discussion: The misuse of antibiotics, which is one of the most commonly consumed drugs, is a global problem that threatens not only the health of the patient, but also the health of the entire community. When antibiotics are used too much, especially in health institutions, resistant strains may cause selection and spread. Improving antimicrobial prescribing will help control antimicrobial resistance.