A 4-Year Prospective Study on Anti-fungal and Reserved Antimicrobial Drugs under Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

Abstract

Introduction: In 2018 and 2021, CIMS hospital conducted an audit to analyse the quality of antifungal use. We conducted a follow-up audit after four years of the antifungal stewardship programme (AFS) to evaluate the program’s long-term effects. We assessed antifungal usage in Medical & surgical Patients receiving systemic antifungals using a preset score. Antibiotics and its classes designated as antimicrobial reserved products are intended to be used only in the treatment of confirmed or suspected infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in a medical & surgical unit at tertiary care hospital during a four-year period. The sensitivity pattern was identified after the laboratory data were processed. Some of the newer AMs were labelled as “Reserve,” requiring the completion of an authorization form prior to prescription. Results: Patients treated with antimicrobial drugs in medical and ICU wards were assessed. The results of both the audits revealed that there was a decrease in the irrational cases of both reserved antimicrobial and antifungal cases in successive years. The year 2020 showed fewer irrational cases of antifungals. Conclusion: With time the use of correct dosage regimen, proper route of administration and proper handling of patients has led to decrease in the irrational cases of antimicrobials.