Assessment of prophylactic antibiotic usage habits of the general surgeons in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important aspects of inappropriate antibiotic use among general surgeons in Turkey is the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP). In order to shed light on the current situation, we conducted a survey of general surgeons in our country. Our aim was to evaluate the approach taken by our general surgeons in prescribing SP, while providing data pertinent to the effectiveness of the ‘Rational Drug Use’ (AIK) national action plan.
 Methodology: A questionnaire on the subject of personal SP usage and compliance with guidelines was distributed amongst general surgeons between 2018-2019. The questions related to individual approaches taken by surgeons when treating patients with either clean or clean-contaminated wounds. Results of the questionnaires were collated and compliance with ASHP guidelines was evaluated.
 Results: A total of 317 completed questionnaires were evaluated. According to the questionnaire results, the rate of total compliance with ASHP guidelines was 26.8%. The compliance rate for preoperative SP was 69.7% in the clean wound group and 54.6% in the clean-contaminated wound group. Although 96.5% of the participants reported correct timing for the first dose of SP, this number dropped to 79.5% apropos the adminstration of further doses of prophylaxis. The percentage of surgeons prescribing continued antibiotics at discharge for clean and clean-contaminated cases was 22.7% and 38.5%, respectively.
 Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that inappropriate use of SP is widespread in our country, and that antibiotics continue to be prescribed at discharge.

Appropriateness of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Central India: A Retrospective Analysis

“…The non-compliance with the duration of SAP administration may be due to unawareness regarding the recommended duration of SAP, or the belief that extra precautions were taken by the treating physicians to avoid SSIs by administering SAP for a longer duration [18,26,27], and/or due to insecurity regarding the legal pursuits in case if any complications arise due to the administration of shorter duration of SAP [28].…”

Review of the Appropriateness of Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis

“…Khan et al found poor treatment adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines due to poor awareness, underestimation of infection, lack of consensus, and disagreement with guideline recommendations [33]. Karaali et al stated that the total rate of surgeons' compliance with ASHP guidelines was only 26.8% [34]. They found also that inappropriate use of antimicrobial for surgical prophylaxis is widespread and that antibiotics continue to be prescribed at discharge [34].…”

“…Karaali et al stated that the total rate of surgeons' compliance with ASHP guidelines was only 26.8% [34]. They found also that inappropriate use of antimicrobial for surgical prophylaxis is widespread and that antibiotics continue to be prescribed at discharge [34].…”