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Abdelsalam Elshenawy R, Umaru N, Aslanpour Z. WHO AWaRe classification for antibiotic stewardship: tackling antimicrobial resistance - a descriptive study from an English NHS Foundation Trust prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1298858. [PMID: 38146447 PMCID: PMC10749484 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1298858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent and rapidly escalating pandemic, presenting a critical challenge to global health security. During the pandemic, this study was undertaken at a NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom to explore antibiotic prescribing trends for respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including pneumonia, and the COVID-19 pandemic across the years 2019 and 2020. This study, guided by the WHO's AWaRe classification, sought to understand the impact of the pandemic on antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). The research methodology involved a retrospective review of medical records from adults aged 25 and older admitted with RTIs, including pneumonia, in 2019 and 2020. The application of the AWaRe classification enabled a structured description of antibiotic use. The study evaluated antibiotic use in 640 patients with RTIs. Notably, it observed a slight increase in the use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and a substantial rise in azithromycin prescriptions, highlighting shifts in prescribing trends. Despite these changes, some antibiotics displayed steady consumption rates. These findings highlight the importance of understanding antibiotic use patterns during the AMR threat. The increase in the usage of "Watch" category antibiotics during the pandemic emphasises the urgency of robust AMS measures. The research confirms that incorporating the AWaRe classification in prescribing decisions is crucial for patient safety and combating antibiotic misuse. This study provides essential insights into the changing landscape of antibiotic prescribing during a global health crisis, reinforcing the necessity for ongoing AMS vigilance to effectively address AMR challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Seijas-Pereda L, Rescalvo-Casas C, Hernando-Gozalo M, Angmorkie-Eshun V, Agyei E, Adu-Gyamfi V, Sarsah I, Alfonso-Romero M, Cuadros-González J, Soliveri-de Carranza J, Pérez-Tanoira R. The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Rates of Enterobacterales in a Rural Hospital from the Eastern Region, Ghana: A Retrospective Study, 2022. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1321. [PMID: 37627741 PMCID: PMC10451727 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of antimicrobial resistance and often lack adequate surveillance due to a paucity of microbiological studies. In this 2022 study, our goal was to contribute to a more precise antimicrobial treatment by understanding the prevalence of resistance in a rural environment, promoting antibiotic stewardship, and raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance. We assessed the prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Enterobacterales in clinical samples from 2905 patients being treated at Saint Dominic's Hospital, Akwatia, in the countryside of the Eastern Region, Ghana, in the year 2022. To this purpose, the samples were cultured on agar plates prepared in the laboratory using purified Oxoid™ Thermo Scientific™ agar (Thermo Fisher Scientific; Waltham, MA, USA). Cystine Lactose Electrolyte-Deficient (CLED) agar was used for urine samples, while blood agar, chocolate agar, and MacConkey agar were used for the rest of the specimens tested (HVS, blood, BFA, sputum). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined on site using the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer test). MDR bacteria accounted for more than half (53.7%) of all microorganisms tested for three or more antibiotics and 37.3% of these were XDR. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with acquiring MDR/XDR bacteria. The results showed an increased likelihood of MDR acquisition linked to being male (OR 2.39, p < 0.001 for MDR and OR 1.95, p = 0.027 for XDR), higher age (OR 1.01, p = 0.049 for MDR), non-sputum samples (OR 0.32, p = 0.009 for MDR), and urine samples (OR 7.46, p < 0.001 for XDR). These findings emphasize the urgency for surveillance and control of antimicrobial resistance; to this end, making accurate diagnostics, studying the microorganism in question, and conducting susceptibility testing is of the utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seijas-Pereda
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (J.C.-G.); (J.S.-d.C.)
- Departamento de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Carlos Rescalvo-Casas
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (J.C.-G.); (J.S.-d.C.)
- Departamento de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marcos Hernando-Gozalo
- Departamento de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vida Angmorkie-Eshun
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia P.O. Box 59, Ghana; (V.A.-E.); (E.A.); (V.A.-G.); (I.S.); (M.A.-R.)
| | - Eunice Agyei
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia P.O. Box 59, Ghana; (V.A.-E.); (E.A.); (V.A.-G.); (I.S.); (M.A.-R.)
| | - Vivian Adu-Gyamfi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia P.O. Box 59, Ghana; (V.A.-E.); (E.A.); (V.A.-G.); (I.S.); (M.A.-R.)
| | - Isaac Sarsah
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia P.O. Box 59, Ghana; (V.A.-E.); (E.A.); (V.A.-G.); (I.S.); (M.A.-R.)
| | - Maite Alfonso-Romero
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia P.O. Box 59, Ghana; (V.A.-E.); (E.A.); (V.A.-G.); (I.S.); (M.A.-R.)
| | - Juan Cuadros-González
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (J.C.-G.); (J.S.-d.C.)
- Departamento de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan Soliveri-de Carranza
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (J.C.-G.); (J.S.-d.C.)
| | - Ramón Pérez-Tanoira
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (J.C.-G.); (J.S.-d.C.)
- Departamento de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Madrid, Spain;
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Amponsah OKO, Courtenay A, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Abuelhana A, Opoku DA, Blay LK, Abruquah NA, Osafo AB, Danquah CB, Tawiah P, Opare-Addo MNA, Owusu-Ofori A, Buabeng KO. Assessing the impact of antimicrobial stewardship implementation at a district hospital in Ghana using a health partnership model. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad084. [PMID: 37465105 PMCID: PMC10350667 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is imperative in addressing the menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in health systems. Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship uses a health partnership model to establish AMS in Commonwealth countries. The Hospital of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partnership with Ulster University, Northern Ireland, undertook an AMS project from November 2021 to May 2022. We report on implementation of the AMS, its impact on antibiotic use and infections management at the University Hospital; Kumasi, Ghana. Methods The Global-Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) protocol was used to assess antibiotics use at the hospital at baseline, midpoint and end of the project. Feedback on each PPS was given to the hospital to inform practice, behavioural change and improve antibiotic use. Results Antibiotic use reduced from 65% at baseline to 59.7% at the end of the project. The rate of healthcare-associated infections also reduced from 17.5% at baseline to 6.5%. Use of antibiotics from the WHO Access group was 40% at baseline but increased to 50% at the endpoint. Watch antibiotics reduced from 60% to 50% from baseline. Culture and susceptibility requests increased from baseline of 111 total requests to 330 requests in the intervention period to inform antimicrobial therapy. Conclusion The model AMS instituted improved antibiotic use and quality of antimicrobial therapy within the study period. Continuous staff education and training in AMS, and use of standard tools for assessment and application of local data to inform infections management will ensure sustenance and improvement in the gains made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Courtenay
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, North Ireland, UK
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ahmed Abuelhana
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, North Ireland, UK
| | - Douglas Aninng Opoku
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lawrence Kobina Blay
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Akua Abruquah
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Phyllis Tawiah
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mercy Naa Aduele Opare-Addo
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alex Owusu-Ofori
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwame Ohene Buabeng
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Adjei A, Kukula V, Narh CT, Odopey S, Arthur E, Odonkor G, Mensah MM, Olliaro P, Horgan P, Dittrich S, Moore CE, Salami O, Awini E, Nkeramahame J, Williams J, Baiden R. Impact of Point-of-Care Rapid Diagnostic Tests on Antibiotic Prescription Among Patients Aged <18 Years in Primary Healthcare Settings in 2 Peri-Urban Districts in Ghana: Randomized Controlled Trial Results. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S145-S155. [PMID: 37490745 PMCID: PMC10368405 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions are a known driver of antimicrobial resistance in settings with limited diagnostic capacity. This study aimed to assess the impact of diagnostic algorithms incorporating rapid diagnostic tests on clinical outcomes and antibiotic prescriptions compared with standard-of-care practices, of acute febrile illness cases at outpatient clinics in Shai-Osudoku and Prampram districts in Ghana. METHODS This was an open-label, centrally randomized controlled trial in 4 health facilities. Participants aged 6 months to <18 years of both sexes with acute febrile illness were randomized to receive a package of interventions to guide antibiotic prescriptions or standard care. Clinical outcomes were assessed on day 7. RESULTS In total, 1512 patients were randomized to either the intervention (n = 761) or control (n = 751) group. Majority were children aged <5 years (1154 of 1512, 76.3%) and male (809 of 1512, 53.5%). There was 11% relative risk reduction of antibiotic prescription in intervention group (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, .79 to 1.01); 14% in children aged <5 years (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, .75 to .98), 15% in nonmalaria patients (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, .75 to .96), and 16% in patients with respiratory symptoms (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, .73 to .96). Almost all participants had favorable outcomes (759 of 761, 99.7% vs 747 of 751, 99.4%). CONCLUSIONS In low- and middle-income countries, the combination of point-of-care diagnostics, diagnostic algorithms, and communication training can be used at the primary healthcare level to reduce antibiotic prescriptions among children with acute febrile illness, patients with nonmalarial fevers, and respiratory symptoms. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04081051.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Adjei
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | - Vida Kukula
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | - Clement Tetteh Narh
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Selase Odopey
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Arthur
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Odonkor
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | | | - Piero Olliaro
- Department of Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Horgan
- Department of Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Evidence & Impact Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Department of Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European Campus Rottal Inn, Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Catrin E Moore
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olawale Salami
- Department of Medical Affairs, FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Awini
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | | | - John Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
| | - Rita Baiden
- Department of Epidemiology, Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana
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Nyarko E, Akoto FM, Doku-Amponsah K. Perceived antimicrobial dispensing practices in medicine outlets in Ghana: A maximum difference experiment design. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288519. [PMID: 37440517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobials are consumed among patients globally, but in developing and middle-income countries, these drugs can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies and licensed drug stores due to inadequate regulation in the pharmaceutical sector. This study aimed to assess antimicrobial dispensing practices in medicine sales outlets (i.e., pharmacies and licensed drug stores) to provide quantitative evidence for policy discussions to enhance patient safety and care quality in Ghana's pharmaceutical industry. METHOD The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in the Greater Accra region between July and August 2022. The survey was conducted through interviewer-administered questionnaires, and 200 staff members from medicine sales outlets were randomly selected using a two-stage cluster and random sampling technique. The maximum difference experiment model, rooted in random utility theory, was used to analyze their antimicrobial dispensing practices. RESULT We found that medicine sales outlet staffs were highly concerned about following the drug act and not dispensing antimicrobials without a prescription, and usually refer a patient to get a prescription from a doctor if the patient has complications (like high fever, generalized malaise, fatigue as symptoms, sinusitis). Stronger concerns were also observed for medicine outlet staff not dispensing antimicrobials without a prescription if the patient is pediatric or geriatric with a severe infection. They also evaluated patients and dispensed antimicrobials based on symptoms, not their age or gender. However, they tended not to dispense antibiotics if the patient had a mild fever and requested it without a prescription. CONCLUSION Our results provide insight into the need for a national surveillance system for monitoring antimicrobial prescribing and dispensing practices at medicine sales outlets. Therefore, the selection of antimicrobials for treating infectious diseases may be informed by evidence-based antimicrobial prescribing and dispensing surveillance data and will help policymakers to know the pattern of commonly consumed antimicrobials in the medicine sales outlets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Nyarko
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francisca Mawulawoe Akoto
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Doku-Amponsah
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Muteeb G. Nanotechnology-A Light of Hope for Combating Antibiotic Resistance. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1489. [PMID: 37374990 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic usage and resistance are major health concerns. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making it impossible to treat infections. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the main contributing factors, while environmental stress (such as heavy metals accumulation), unhygienic conditions, illiteracy, and unawareness also contribute to antibiotic resistance. The slow and costly development of new antibiotics has lagged behind the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the overuse of antibiotics leads to negative consequences. The current study used different literature resources to generate an opinion and find a possible solution to antibiotic barriers. Different scientific approaches have been reported to overcome antibiotic resistance. The most useful approach among these is nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can be engineered to disrupt bacterial cell walls or membranes, effectively eliminating resistant strains. Additionally, nanoscale devices enable the real-time monitoring of bacterial populations, allowing for the early detection of resistance emergence. Nanotechnology, along with evolutionary theory offers promising avenues in combating antibiotic resistance. Evolutionary theory helps us understand the mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance, allowing us to anticipate and counteract their adaptive strategies. By studying the selective pressures that drive resistance, we can therefore design more effective interventions or traps. The synergy between the evolutionary theory and nanotechnology presents a powerful approach to combat antibiotic resistance, offering new avenues for the development of effective treatments and the preservation of our antibiotic arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazala Muteeb
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Owusu E, Asane FW, Bediako-Bowan AA, Afutu E. Bacterial Contamination of Surgical Instruments Used at the Surgery Department of a Major Teaching Hospital in a Resource-Limited Country: An Observational Study. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10040081. [PMID: 36278580 PMCID: PMC9589928 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical instruments, be they disposable or reusable, are essential in any surgical procedure. Reusable surgical instruments should be properly sterilized or disinfected before use. However, the protocols are not always followed accordingly. This results in sterilization and disinfection failures, leading to a possible increase in the incidence of surgical site infections. This observational study report on bacterial contaminants identified instruments used for surgical procedures in a major teaching hospital in a resource-limited country. In total, 207 pre-sterilized surgical instruments and instrument parts used at three units—the general surgical theater, and the gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and urology endoscopy (uro-endoscopy) units—within the surgical department were randomly sampled and examined for bacterial contamination. Bacteria isolates were identified, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined. Bacteria isolates that were identified included Citrobacter spp., Citrobacter freundii, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacillus cereus was the most predominant bacteria isolated (30/61, 49.1%), and Staphylococcus hominis the least (1/61, 1.6%). In terms of the number of isolates from the three units examined, the uro-endoscopy unit recorded the highest followed by the general surgical theater and the GI endoscopy. However, there was no association between the various units and bacteria isolated, and no significant difference between the number of isolates among the various units (p = 0.9467, χ2 = 0.1095). In this study, even though CFU per device or device part counted was less than 20, bacteria isolated from the instruments used for a surgical procedure is of great concern considering that the setting of the study is a major teaching hospital. Multi-drug resistance was observed in almost all the isolated bacteria. Sterilization processes should be strictly adhered to, taking into consideration the length and temperature in order to reduce the risk of using contaminated instruments in these environments. It is therefore recommended that similar studies should be carried out in surgical departments at different levels of hospitals to ascertain the extent of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enid Owusu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra 233, Ghana
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (E.A.); Tel.: +233-0508-917-569 (E.O.)
| | - Francis W. Asane
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra 233, Ghana
| | - Antoinette A. Bediako-Bowan
- Department of Surgery, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra 233, Ghana
- Department of Surgery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra 233, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Afutu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra 233, Ghana
- Correspondence: (E.O.); (E.A.); Tel.: +233-0508-917-569 (E.O.)
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Amponsah OKO, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Nagaraja SB, Nair D, Muradyan K, Hedidor GK, Labi AK, Opare-Addo MNA, Sarkodie E, Buabeng KO. Adherence to Prescribing Indicators at a District Hospital in Ghana: Do We Match WHO Standards? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12260. [PMID: 36231554 PMCID: PMC9566632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Rational use of medicines (RUM) and their assessment are important to ensure optimal use of resources and patient care in hospitals. These assessments are essential to identifying practice gaps for quality improvement. (2) Methods: Assessment of adherence to WHO/International Network for Rational Use of Drugs core prescribing indicators among outpatients in 2021 was conducted at the University Hospital of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. We reviewed electronic medical records (EMR) of 110,280 patient encounters in the year which resulted in 336,087 medicines prescribed. (3) Results: The average number of medicines prescribed per encounter was three, with generics being prescribed in 76% of prescriptions. Injections were prescribed in 7% of encounters while 90% of medicines were from Ghana's Essential Medicines List, 2017. (4) Conclusions: With the exception of patient encounters with injections, none of the prescribing indicators assessed in this study met WHO optimum levels, providing targets for quality improvement in RUM. Implementing prescribing guides and policies, regular audits and feedback as well as continuous professional development training may help to improve prescribing practices in the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Kwabena Offe Amponsah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | | | - Divya Nair
- International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union), 75006 Paris, France
| | - Karlos Muradyan
- Tuberculosis Research and Prevention Center, Yerevan 0014, Armenia
| | - George Kwesi Hedidor
- WHO Country Office, Ghana, 7 Ameda Street, Roman Ridge, Accra P.O. Box MB 142, Ghana
| | - Appiah-Korang Labi
- WHO Country Office, Ghana, 7 Ameda Street, Roman Ridge, Accra P.O. Box MB 142, Ghana
| | | | - Emmanuel Sarkodie
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Kwame Ohene Buabeng
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
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