title: A comparison of antibiotic point prevalence survey data from four Irish regional/general hospitals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Point prevalence surveys (PPS) are increasingly used to examining and compare hospital antibiotic consumption. The aim of this study was to identify the (1) point prevalence of antibiotic use in one regional hospital and (2) compare PPS data from similar regional/general hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected on all inpatients with an active antibiotic prescription and on all prescriptions issued in the emergency department over a 24-h period. Point prevalence data were obtained from three other regional/general hospitals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of antibiotic use was hospital A = 29%, B = 38%, C = 34% and D = 37%. Overall, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic was co-amoxiclav (30%), followed by macrolides (12%). However, new generation broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as piperacillin/tazobactam or ciprofloxacin, were also commonly used. Prescribing for common conditions such as respiratory infection or cellulites showed diverse antibiotic selection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Point prevalence survey data using a standardised methodology could facilitate both local audit and national benchmarking to monitor antibiotic use.
authors.affiliation: Quality, Audit and Risk Management Team, HSE-Dublin Mid Leinster, Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, Mullingar, Westhmeath, Ireland. corina.naughton@ucd.ie
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Naughton
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mannion
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Philbin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006761:Hospitals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents