Outcomes of an intervention to improve hospital antibiotic prescribing: interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate an intervention to reduce inappropriate use of key antibiotics with interrupted time series analysis.

Methods: The intervention is a policy for appropriate use of Alert Antibiotics (carbapenems, glycopeptides, amphotericin, ciprofloxacin, linezolid, piperacillin-tazobactam and third-generation cephalosporins) implemented through concurrent, patient-specific feedback by clinical pharmacists. Statistical significance and effect size were calculated by segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series of drug use and cost for 2 years before and after the intervention started.

Cost-minimization analysis and audit of antibiotic management of bone and joint infections with ambulatory teicoplanin, in-patient care or outpatient oral linezolid therapy.

Bone and joint infections are significant causes of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. The cost of treatment for such infections is driven primarily by the length of hospital stay. Many of these infections will require treatment with prolonged periods of parenteral antibiotic therapy.