Utilization of antimicrobials in Rijeka (Croatia).
OBJECTIVE
In this study, the extent and pattern of inpatient and outpatient antimicrobial drug use was investigated in Rijeka, Croatia, and the impact of control measures was evaluated.


METHODS
Consumption of antibacterials for the years 2000 and 2001 was monitored using the ATC/DDD methodology.


RESULTS
During the investigation period, the antimicrobial utilization at the University Hospital Center (UHC) Rijeka has decreased by 14%. In the outpatient setting of the County of Primorje and Gorski kotar, the antimicrobial utilization was similar during both years. At the UHC Rijeka, not only the amount, but the pattern of antibacterial utilization also has changed in contrast to the outpatient setting where the pattern of antimicrobial prescribing remained the same.


CONCLUSIONS
The control measures for antibiotic use that were introduced in the outpatient setting did not influence the prescribing habit of primary care physicians, while the impact of hospital antibiotic use control measures was satisfactory. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the impact of these measures on bacterial resistance patterns.
Unit for Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia. vvlahovic@inet.hr
Vera
V
Vlahović-Palcevski
Igor
I
Francetić
Goran
G
Palcevski
Vesna
V
Rosovic-Bazijanac
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017523:Croatia; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents