Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8537

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Publication type: Journal Article

Martucci HJ, Parry MF.
Cephalosporin cost reduction.
Hosp Formul 1981 Apr; 16:(4):396-8,

Abstract:

A multidisciplinary and ongoing educational program designed to control the use of cephalosporin antibiotics in a community hospital is described, including an evaluation of its effects on the prescribing habits of physicians and drug utilization in the hospital. The program, which was directed at all levels of health care, promoted the use of cefazolin sodium (Ancef; Kefzol; I) as the overall cephalosporin of choice because of its low cost, ease of administration and overall activity; furnished information on the comparative costs of cephalosporins and other parenteral antibiotics to increase cost consciousness; limited the use of other cephalosporins to documented infections where I would not be effective; and reinforced the appropriate dosing of I. The participation of the hospital pharmacist, infectious disease specialist, microbiology laboratory personnel and pharmaceutical representatives in the program is described. Results showed that the program significantly affected physician prescribing habits, increased the use of I, and achieved the appropriate dosing of I with resultant cost savings for the hospital.

Keywords:
Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage Cephalosporins/administration & dosage* Connecticut Drug Information Services* Drug Utilization/economics* Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499 Pharmacy Service, Hospital/economics