title: A cost benefit comparison of two antibiotic delivery systems in a children's hospital.
abstract: A comparative trial was undertaken in a 301 bed pediatric hospital to determine the feasibility and cost benefit of converting from a minibag intravenous admixture system to one using polypropylene syringes, prefilled with undiluted medication, for the administration of antibiotics. Technical and therapeutic problems unique to a pediatric hospital and the stability of antibiotics in polypropylene syringes were concurrent considerations. The cost of materials and total time involved were measured for each system for a one month period. It was concluded that the prefilled syringe system as a method of dispensing selected parenteral antibiotics, although requiring more time, is more cost effective than the minibag system.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D009864:Ontario