Antibiotic prescription in a teaching hospital: a brief assessment.

OBJECTIVE Antimicrobials are used interchangeably in medical practice, contributing to the emergence of resistant microbial strains. METHODS This study describes the antimicrobial audit performed by forecasting analysis of medical records of 846 patients at the Hospital Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz do Sul - Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil. RESULTS Of the patients studied, 134 (15.8%) received antimicrobials. The audit was conducted interactively, with intervention and discussion with the prescriber. Considering the presumptive diagnosis and prescribed drug, it was verified that 74.6% of patients on antimicrobials received what was considered the first choice treatment. Inadequate antimicrobial agent for clinical diagnosis (5.2%) and lack of adjustment for renal function (43.7%) were the most frequent errors. CONCLUSION A strategic plan aimed at the rational use of antimicrobials based on educational and interventionist practices can help the infection control professional to adjust the routines to improve healthcare quality.