Appropriateness of Orthopedic Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Prescribing in Australia: Meaningful Metrics for Surgeons

Abstract

Background: Orthopedic procedures are performed at high volumes in Australia. Thus, they are a commonly audited procedure group when measuring surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) appropriateness and compliance in Australia and internationally. Recent analysis of the Surgical National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (Surgical NAPS) revealed high rates of inappropriateness, both procedurally (39.5%) and postprocedurally (53.0%). Inappropriate use can lead to patient harm and further increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Identification of factors associated with inappropriate orthopedic SAP prescribing may support the development of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) inter..