Implementation of a computerised antimicrobial approval system in a hospital environment: lessons learned

Abstract

The use of antimicrobials in a hospital setting is often inappropriate. This impacts on drug costs, drug toxicity, patient outcome and the resistance patterns of local bacteria. For certain broad-spectrum antibiotics, restriction of access, monitoring of prescribing patterns and consultation with an infectious diseases (ID) specialist is justified. A computerised antimicrobial approval system was developed at The Royal Melbourne Hospital by a multidisciplinary team. Apilot system addressing just one class of drug was deployed in 2001 and the final system, covering 23 antimicrobial agents, was deployed in 2005. All clinical staff had orientation sessions, and the pharmacists and ID registrars..