Relevance of fluoroquinolone use in hospitals in the Lorraine region of France before and after corrective measures: An investigation by the Antibiolor network

Objectives: This study of fluoroquinolone use was carried out before and after an educational intervention run by Antibiolor, a regional network to all hospitals in the Lorraine region of France. Methods: The relevance of fluoroquinolone prescription according to regional guidelines was assessed using a standard card filled out by physicians and pharmacists at the voluntarily participating hospitals. A therapeutic index of adequacy was established for each card. The initial survey took place in January 2008, with feedback and proposals for corrective measures in January 2009. The second survey was organized in June 2009. The results of the 2 surveys were compared. Results: Twenty-four hospitals completed a total of 1336 cards in the first survey (S1) and 944 cards in the second (S2). The appropriateness of indications for fluoroquinolone use improved by 57% between the 2 surveys. All the criteria analyzed (choice of drug, dosage, treatment duration) were significantly improved in S2 compared to S1, as was...