title: Multidisciplinary approach to cost reduction of C-section prophylaxis.
abstract: Runaway cefoxitin costs prompted a thorough usage evaluation by the P & T Committee, the antibiotic review subcommittee, and the pharmacy department at this 450-bed teaching hospital. C-section prophylaxis accounted for 25% of all cefoxitin usage. With the assistance of the ob/gyn department, a major campaign was initiated to alter prescribing habits and evaluate more cost effective prophylaxis. Single dose cefotetan replaced multidose cefoxitin regimen for a 6-month trial basis. Annualized cost savings for drug and supplies were approximately $49,086, and no change in morbidity was noted. The ob/gyn department then agreed, at the request of the antibiotic subcommittee, to conduct a trial comparing single dose cefotetan with single dose cefazolin in women undergoing C-section. The results indicated that both treatments were equally effective, consequently, cefazolin replaced cefotetan, producing an additional $10,384 annual savings. Overall, our approach to C-section cost reduction resulted in a total of $59,470 annual savings and demonstrated the effectiveness of an organized multidisciplinary approach.
authors: University Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL 32209.
authors: M W
authors: MW
authors: Todd
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Benrubi
mesh_terms: D015313:Cefotetan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002440:Cefoxitin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000191:economics*; D003363:Cost Control; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006801:Humans; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011292:Premedication; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D015313:Cefotetan; D002440:Cefoxitin