Correlation of antibiotic usage with an antibiotic policy in a urological ward.

Abstract An antibiotic policy for a urological ward was largely implemented by restrictive antibiotic sensitivity reporting, and indications for prophylaxis were derived from the features of 40 episodes of bacteraemia associated with urological procedures. Of 510 patients admitted to this ward, 30·8 per cent received antibiotics. Of 187 antibiotic courses, 53 per cent were for treatment and 43 per cent for prophylaxis. The stated indications were considered dubious in 28 per cent of courses of treatment and irrational in 13 per cent of courses of prophylaxis. Of 1368 days of antibiotic use, co-trimoxazole and amoxycillin/ampicillin accounted for 84·6 per cent, and gentamicin for 5·6 per cent. The modal duration of courses of co-trimoxazole, amoxycillin/ ampicillin, and gentamicin were 5, 5 and 1 days, respectively. Antibiotics whose sensitivities were not reported were rarely used, and there was no prescription of cephradine, cefoxitin, cefuroxime or amikacin. In general, antibiotic administration corresponded well with policy guidelines.