Implementation of an interactive computer-assisted infection monitoring program at the bedside

Use of computerized decision support systems to improve antibiotic prescribing

This decade will see the emergence of the electronic medical record, electronic prescribing and computerized decision support in the hospital setting. Current opinion from key infectious diseases bodies supports the use of computerized decision support systems as potentially useful tools in antibiotic stewardship programs. However, although antibiotic decision support systems appear beneficial for improving the quality of prescribing and reducing the costs of antibiotic prescribing, their overall cost-effectiveness, impact on patient outcome and antimicrobial resistance is much less certain. This review describes computerized decision support systems used to assist with antibiotic prescribing, the evidence for their effectiveness and the current and future roles.

[The computer-assisted management programs for antibiotic therapies in connection with an application in geriatrics]

OBJECTIVES

Improve antibiotic therapies in a geriatrics hospital by enhancing guidelines impact. Historical background. - Study of the uses of the data-processing tool: detection of adverse drug events and inappropriate therapies; diffusion of the probable bacteria and their sensitivities to antibiotics following the infected site; creating decisional algorithms leading to suggested antibiotic therapy concept.

METHOD

Referring to the conferences of consensus: drafting of local protocols of antibiotic therapies by using data processing if possible. Description of computer-systems implemented in Salt Lake City (USA) and Tubingen (Germany). With the assistance of an expert infectiologist, design of a database containing clinical details of the different situations in the pulmonary and urinary infections: once the clinical data are entered, a suggested antibiotic therapy appears on the screen, followed by a suggested prescription adapted to patient's specifications. During five years, survey of Defined Daily Dose per 1000 occupied bed-days; survey of sensitivities to antibiotics of urinary tract bacteria.

RESULTS

Decrease of overall antibiotic consumption; decrease of broad-spectrum agents; modifications of E. coli sensitivities lead to variations of suggested antibiotic therapy.

DISCUSSION

Seizure of the clinical determinants imposes a reducing effect; but it is necessary to apply to antibiotic therapies a hierarchicalbasis on account of bacterial resistances process and on account of "tonnage" of antibiotic prescriptions.

CONCLUSION

Computer-assisted decision in antibiotic therapy can draw prescribers' attention to guidelines. The adhesion of the physicians to the computerized decision-making system is consolidated by their direct participation in the design of this system.

Quality measures of antimicrobial drug use

Antimicrobial use is the major determinant in the development of resistance. Many parameters of importance for optimal quality of antimicrobial therapy have already been defined. Maximal efficacy of the treatment should be combined with minimal toxicity at the lowest cost. Quality of antimicrobial drug use is dependent on knowledge of many aspects of infectious diseases. Considering efficacy, many of our indications for antimicrobial use need critical evaluation. Irrational use should be discouraged. Avoidance of the development of resistance is a quality parameter that will need increasing attention. This paper reviews the well-established factors that may influence the appropriateness of pharmacotherapy with antimicrobial drugs. It cites recent evidence supporting principles of prudent prescribing and gives an overview of audits that have addressed these parameters. Measures relating to resistance are discussed.