Abstract-Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing has become an intermediate cradle between intelligent objects and applications that make use of the resourcefulness and data provided by these objects. On one side, IoT can get benefit from almost unlimited resource to implement cloud computing management and penning of services related to smart objects and data provision. On the other side, the cloud can benefit IoT by expanding the scope of application operation to address real-time objects. Despite this synergy, the literature lacks a comprehensive and complete overview on what have been investigated and opportunities for the economic development of the common wealth in context to IoT and cloud, especially in the emerging markets (Pakistan). This issue requires further development and in-depth research. The goal of the study is to identify and propose opportunities to fill the gap by systematically investigating the studies available in the literature. To provide an overview of the current state of research on the topic and to obtain a comprehensive overview on the economic developments through IoT and Cloud Computing paradigms and ascertaining opportunities in the existing approaches and recommend research directions.
Background
There is a lack of data about antibiotic prescription trends and patterns of inappropriate antibiotic stewardship in COVID-19 patient management.
Objective
To determine frequency and pattern of antibiotic prescription in COVID-19 patients presenting in DHQ teaching hospital, Sahiwal.
Methods
This observational cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from 1st June 2020 to 31st March 2021 in patients admitted in COVID isolation facility of DHQ Teaching hospital, Sahiwal with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients of all ages and of both genders were included. Data was collected by a pre-designed proforma. Data included patient’s age, gender, co-morbid conditions, type and duration of antibiotic use, and details of prescribing physicians. Descriptive statistics were applied to determine frequency and percentages of variables.
Results
Out of 800 participants, 543(67.8%) were males, and the remaining 257 (32.1%) were females.
The majority 328(41%) of patients belonged to the age group 40-60 years. 639(79.8%) patients had co-morbidities. Diabetes mellitus was the most common co-morbid condition 248 (31%). Antibiotics were prescribed to all patients 800 (100%) before admission to the COVID Isolation facility. The majority of patients 348 (43.5%) had used antibiotics for 3-7 days before admission. Macrolides class was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic 417 (52.1%). General practitioners had more tendency to prescribe antibiotics 509(64%) as compared to medical specialists 212(26.5%) and pulmonologists79 (9.8%).
Conclusion
Antibiotic stewardship needs to be improved in COVID-19 patients and prescription should be evidence-based aided by laboratory tests. The development of local guidelines for judicious antibiotic prescription in COVID-19 will help in preventing antibiotic resistance.
Key Words
Antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, COVID-19, drug prescription, SARS-cov-2
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