FIXING THE FIXABLE: WHO POINT PREVALENCE SURVEY ON ANTIMICROBIAL USE AT TWIN HOSPITALS OF RAWALPINDI - PAVING THE WAY FOR ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of antimicrobials and antimicrobial stewardship practices

Study Design: Descriptive Hospital-Based Survey

Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital and Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Feb – May 2025

Methodology: According to World Health Organisation Point Prevalence Survey, only acute care in-patients who were administered antimicrobials were included in the study. Core variables about antibiotic indication and antibiotic usage were recorded. Antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment, including special cases, were selected depending upon the Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical Classification/Defined Daily Doses system developed by the World Health Organisation. Data were collected using the WHO point prevalence survey Performa.

Results: A total of 670 patients were included in the study, with a gender distribution of 68.5% males and 31.04% females. A total of 52.98% of patients were transferred from the emergency room to the selected ward. A total of 27.61% of the patients were using antibiotics before admission. Of those coming from the emergency department, 13.73% received antibiotics in the emergency department. The study's main findings included 12.51% inappropriateness in unit dose administration, 18.11% in frequency, and 12.61% inappropriateness in antibiotic choice.

Conclusion: The study concludes that there was 12.51% inappropriateness in unit dose administration, 18.11% in frequency, and 12.61% inappropriateness in antibiotic choice.