Publications

Abstract : In general, Mostly 48 hours free of fever following the start of IV antimicrobial therapy as an indication that “IV to Oral” switch may take place. In recent years many studies had advocated regimen of relatively short intravenous therapy i.e. for 2-3 days followed by oral treatment for the remaining course. The Objective of the Study was an assessment of the conversion based on the eligibility criteria and impact of the intervention provided. Methods: All the inpatients admitted to the study site during the study period in which the prescription should have at least one IV antimicrobial were included in the study. A prospective study was conducted at a 450-bedded multi specialty tertiary care private hospital for a period of 6 months in General medicine department. Results: The total number of patients admitted in the study site during the study period was found to be 126. Group I: General medicine, control (n=90), Group II: General medicine – intervention was provided (n=36). The average costs were Rs 2217 ± 1757 and Rs 1959 ± 2352 in Group I and Group II respectively. The average length of stay was 6.81 ± 2.69 and 6.21 ± 2.40 days in Group I and Group II respectively. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that clinical pharmacy activities, which can play a pivotal role when trying to influence and change the antimicrobial prescription (IV to Oral conversion) and also it, may reduce the cost on different departments in the hospital.