EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS USAGE IN SURGERY WARDS BEFORE AND AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CLINICAL GUIDELINES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL- A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Wound infections are the commonest hospital-acquired infections in surgical patients. Approximately 30-50% of antibiotic use in hospitals, is now for surgical prophylaxis. However, between 30-90% of this prophylaxis is inappropriate, that increases the selective pressure favoring the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Judicious use of antibiotics in the hospital through effective antibiotic policy and guideline development is thus essential. 
Aims: To prepare a guideline for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and to evaluate the impact of it in clinical practice.