This quasi-experimental study compared the appropriate prescribing of antibiotics in the emergency department over a 3-month period before and after implementation of an empiric therapy guide (ETG). Overall appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing per Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines increased significantly by 20.5% after implementation of the ETG (P<0.001). Prescribing for community-acquired pneumonia and cellulitis improved by 33.1% (P<0.001) and 35.5% (P=0.002), respectively. The rate of broad-spectrum antibiotic use decreased by 13.6% (P<0.001). Following the intervention, 90.5% of prescribers achieved at least 75% appropriate prescribing per IDSA guidelines (P<0.001). Appropriate antibiotic prescribing and rates of broad-spectrum antibiotic use were significantly improved following implementation of the ETG.
Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship; Community-acquired pneumonia; Emergency department; Empiric therapy guide; Non-purulent cellulitis.
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