Does an antimicrobial section on a drug chart influence prescribing?

Objectives: To assess the impact of a dedicated section for antimicrobial prescribing on the documentation of indication for antimicrobials and the number of antimicrobial prescriptions that are reviewed within five days (based on recommendations from the Department of Health's summary of best practice for antimicrobial prescribing). Methods: An analysis of data from a prospective audit to assess antimicrobial prescribing in the six-month periods before and after the implementation of a new hospital prescription chart with a dedicated section for prescribing antimicrobials. Results: Before the introduction of the new drug chart 63% (n=131) of antimicrobial prescriptions had the clinical indication documented and 33% (n=69) were reviewed within five days. After the introduction of the new drug chart, documentation of clinical indication increased to 89% (n=147) and review within five days to 83% (n=138). Conclusion: Including an antimicrobial prescribing section as part of the hospital's prescription chart improved antimicrobial indication documentation and review. The results of the audit show that a dedicated section on a drug chart for antimicrobial prescribing is a user-friendly and practical way to improve antimicrobial stewardship.