A pilot study evaluating the prescribing of ceftriaxone in hospitals in Ghana: findings and implications.

Afriyie, Daniel Kwame, Amponsah, Seth Kwabena ORCID: 0000-0001-7411-0972, Dogbey, Justice, Agyekum, Kwabena, Kesse, Samuel, Truter, Ilse, Meyer, Johanna C ORCID: 0000-0003-0462-5713 and Godman, Brian ORCID: 0000-0001-6539-6972 (2017) A pilot study evaluating the prescribing of ceftriaxone in hospitals in Ghana: findings and implications. Hospital practice (1995), 45 (4). pp. 143-149.

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Abstract

<h4>Background and objectives</h4>Widespread empiric use of antibiotics exists especially in developing countries. This is a concern since inappropriate use of antibiotics, including their extended inappropriate use, will increase resistance rates. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate antibiotic utilisation across healthcare sectors to improve future use. This includes ceftriaxone, widely used among hospitals including those in Ghana.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study to evaluate the appropriateness of ceftriaxone prescribing in a leading hospital in Ghana. Ceftriaxone prescribing in patient-record cards was assessed using a modified WHO drug-utilization evaluation criteria as well as referencing the national standard treatment guidelines in Ghana and the ceftriaxone package insert.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 251 patients were assessed. Ceftriaxone was most commonly prescribed for comorbid malaria with bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, sepsis and gastroenteritis. The appropriateness of the indication was 86% (n = 218). The doses most prescribed were 1g (41%) and 2g (39%). Stat dose and once-daily dosage regimen constituted 51.4% and 84.5%, respectively. The most common duration of treatment was 1 (51.4%) and 2 days (35.1%). The overall appropriateness of prescribing was 93% against a pre-set threshold of 97%.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The appropriateness of ceftriaxone prescribing was high in this leading hospital in Ghana; however, there is room for improvement with targeted education initiatives, with further research planned.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Bacterial Infections, Malaria, Ceftriaxone, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Injections, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pilot Projects, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, Child, Child, Preschool, Infant, Pharmacy Service, Hospital, Drug Utilization Review, Ghana, Female, Male, Young Adult, Coinfection
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	03 Jul 2017 08:58
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 07:02
DOI:	10.1080/21548331.2017.1348139
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3008193