Improved compliance with a gentamicin prescribing policy after introduction of a monitoring form.

Objectives: Compliance with our local hospital policy for gentamicin administration and monitoring was found to be inadequate on audit. A gentamicin monitoring form was introduced with the aim of improving staff compliance with the policy thus minimizing the risks of toxicity while ensuring adequate dosing.

Patients And Methods: The initial audit examined the prescribing, administration and monitoring of intravenous gentamicin given to 20 patients.

An audit of the investigation and initial management of adults presenting with possible bacterial meningitis.

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine local levels of compliance with guidelines from the British Infection Society (BIS) for the early management and investigation of adult patients presenting with possible bacterial meningitis [J Infect 39 (1999) 1; J Infect 46 (2003) 75].

Methods: Patients investigated for possible bacterial meningitis at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester were identified retrospectively by a computer search of microbiology requests. The clinical presentation, laboratory investigations and early antibiotic management were reviewed.