title: Considerations in antimicrobial prescribing.
abstract: Soon after antimicrobial drugs became available, it was recognized that they were being overused and misused. Reasons for concern about the inappropriate use of antimicrobials include the emergence of resistant nosocomial bacteria, which have been identified in every hospital nationwide. The presence of resistant nosocomial bacteria presents the physician with a clinical problem and increases the cost of therapy. It is clear that methods need to be implemented to help physicians improve prescribing of antimicrobial agents. As health care practitioners in all fields strive to make patient care more cost-effective, one observation has become evident: The successfully treated patient consumes fewer resources and subsequently costs the hospital less than an otherwise similar, unsuccessfully treated patient. The goal in the 1990s is to provide optimal, cost-effective care for patients without compromising quality. This goal can be achieved by collaborative efforts of physicians, pharmacists, and microbiologists working together as a team to promote quality patient care.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Rho
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016730:Program Development; D015610:Serum Bactericidal Test
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents