Abstract

PISONERO SOCIAS, Juan José et al. Implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program at hospital and its economic impact. Rev Cubana Cir [online]. 2014, vol.53, n.1, pp. 52-59. ISSN 0034-7493.

Introduction: the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs has proved to be useful to monitor the microbial resistance and, in addition to other advantages, it has considerable economic impact on the health management. The objective of this research work was to describe the economic impact of an antibiotic stewardship program. Methods: an intervention study was conducted in "Joaquin Albarran" hospital from May 2008 to December 2011. The net cost of the use of antimicrobials (by selected family and drugs) and the monthly mean for annual periods were estimated. A simple regression method was used to explore the changes in net costs. Results: the costs were 3 763 903 Cuban pesos, and from August 2009 to December 2011 (mean 70 267.6 Cuban pesos) there was a decline in monthly mean costs by 40 % (- 46 215.6 Cuban pesos monthly) and significant reduction in total and average costs in the study period (p < 0.001). Cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones accounted for the highest proportion of costs due to the use of antimicrobials (52.5 % and 32.8 %, respectively. Additionally, there was significant decrease in the nosocomial infection rates (p < 0.001), but changes in the mortality rates were not remarkable. The implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program at hospital had a positive effect since it reduced the costs of the use of antimicrobials. The implementation of similar programs is recommended in hospitals, using customized strategies pursuant to the characteristics of each institution.

Keywords : antimicrobials; costs; stewardship programs; hospital.

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