A pharmacist-initiated program of intravenous to oral antibiotic conversion

Over 12 months, 52% of patients converted to oral equivalent of intravenous antibiotics initially prescribed. Average number of days of therapy for patients converted was 1.53 days shorter (3.3 +/-2.8 vs. 4.83+/-2.1) than those not converted (p<0.003). Cost savings for drug acquisition and LOS were $15,149.24 and $161,071.88 respectively.

Reference:
Przybylski KG, Rybak MJ, Martin PR, Weingarten CM, Zaran FK, Stevenson JG, and Levine DP. A pharmacist-initiated program of intravenous to oral antibiotic conversion. Pharmacotherapy. 1997;17 (2):271-276.

Setting:
Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center, Detroit, MI, USA Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center, Detroit, MI, USA

Key staff:
Pharmacists

Intervention:
Conversion – Pharmacists contacted physicians to recommend oral antibiotics conversions from selected broad-spectrum and high-cost parenteral antibiotics for patients with predetermined mild to moderate clinical conditions.

Impact:
Over 12 months, 52% of patients converted to oral equivalent of intravenous antibiotics initially prescribed.  Average number of days of therapy for patients converted was 1.53 days shorter (3.3 +/-2.8 vs. 4.83+/-2.1) than those not converted (p<0.003). Cost savings for drug acquisition and LOS were $15,149.24 and $161,071.88 respectively.