Current Status and Prospect of Qualitative Assessment of Antibiotics Prescriptions

Abstract

Identifying inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for infectious diseases by monitoring the quality of antibiotics use is essential for effective implementation of antibiotic stewardship. Qualitative assessment of the use of antibiotics has been conducted in some countries, including Korea, since the 2000s. The qualitative assessment generally involves an assessment of each component of the antibiotics prescription process, based on specific criteria. However, there is no standardized assessment method or cycle, and infectious diseases or antibiotics included in the assessments vary from country-to-country. According to the results reported in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Korea so far, approximately 20 - 55% of all antibiotics prescriptions are inappropriate. In this review, we describe the current progress in the quality assessment of the use of antibiotics on a global scale. Further, we highlight the future directions to improve antibiotic stewardship activities and the quality assessment of the use of antibiotics in Korea.

Implementing antimicrobial stewardship: lessons and perspectives from a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Korea

“…Nonetheless, it is important to tailor ASP interventions to institutional needs, with a focus on the operating team [ 36 , 37 ]. While our hospital implemented antibiotic computerized restrictive antibiotic prescription system from its inception, we observed no significant change in antibiotic use.…”

“…An effective ASP requires interventions to be implemented based on qualitative evaluations [ 37 ]. Considering that Korean medical institutions lack medical resources, it is difficult to simultaneously implement qualitative evaluation-based ASP interventions.…”

“…Considering that Korean medical institutions lack medical resources, it is difficult to simultaneously implement qualitative evaluation-based ASP interventions. Qualitative evaluations and interventions based on the recently proposed quality indicators in Korea may be a sustainable alternative in such circumstances [ 36 , 37 ]. It is important to apply a stepwise implementation strategy—which should be led by a dedicated AMS Team—tailored to the institution.…”

Principles and practices of antimicrobial stewardship programs in Korea

“…A review article incorporating data from the USA, Europe, Australia, and Korea estimated that approximately 20–55% of all antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate [ 18 ]. These concerning statistics highlight the urgent need for ASPs to address the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.…”

“…In addition to quantitative monitoring by KONAS, a consistent qualitative evaluation of antibiotic use is crucial. Identifying inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for infectious diseases by monitoring the quality of antibiotic use is essential for the effective implementation of antibiotic stewardship [ 18 , 25 ].…”