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A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF ANTIMICROBIAL PRESCRIBING AND INFECTION PREVALENCE IN A PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

Introduction Hospice patients are highly susceptible to infections of the urinary and respiratory tract.1 2 3 4 The use of antimicrobials for symptom control should be considered against the burden of treatment for the patient as well as antimicrobial resistance.1 3 5 6 7 The Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group produce guidance and targets for hospital based empirical prescribing. The aim is to reduce clostridium difficile infection.7 Empirical prescribing standards state 95% of antimicrobials prescribed should be in line with local policy with rationale for use documented. 7 These hospital targets are applicable to the hospice setting.8 Method A consecutive retrospective case note audit was completed for a four month period at St Vincent's Hospice in Howwood. An audit proforma with data collection parameters was developed during this process. Results Thirty-three case notes were audited: 76.7% of patients received at least one course of antimicrobials during their admission. The main indications for antibiotics were urinary tract(34%) and lower respiratory tract infections (60%). Indications for prescribing were specified in 88% and duration specified in 68% of cases. Of these 38% completed the course, 35% were continued longer and 26% were discontinued early. Antimicrobial selection, dosing and route were in line with the Greater Glasgow and Clyde policy in 78% of prescriptions; however only 51% also included documentation of duration. Of these prescriptions 91% were prescribed empirically without microbiology culture data. Discussion The prevalence of infection rate, antibiotic use and improvement of symptom burden is variable within the literature.1 2 3 4 5 There is scope to improve practice surrounding antimicrobial initiation and documentation. Existing local guidelines are not specific to hospice care and should be adapted. We recommend and are working towards: ▸ Palliative Antimicrobial Guideline development and liaison with local antimicrobial stewards. ▸ Development of St Vincent's Hospice antimicrobial toolkit with inclusion of medical handover tools. Re-audit and education.