Giovanni Satta, Victoria Hill, Marisa Lanzman and Indran Balakrishnan
Clinical and Molecular Allergy 2013, 11:2 doi:10.1186/1476-7961-11-2
Published: 27 November 2013Abstract (provisional)
Background
beta-lactam allergy is the most commonly reported medication allergy and it remains a key issue in antibiotic prescribing. A detailed and accurate history taking play a key role in preventing potentially serious clinical incidents and it may contribute in reducing costs.
Methods
Data were collected for patients with a documented penicillin allergy on their drug chart during a six month period. Sources included the inpatient drug charts and medical notes. Adherence to hospital guidelines was audited and costs of treatments were calculated.
Results
94 patients with a history of penicillin allergy were included. Compliance with the hospital antibiotic policy was 81% and 52% of cases had a description of the reaction documented. The mean additional cost per patient was [pound sign]89.29 (excluding VAT).
Conclusions
It is important to maintain a high level of vigilance and constantly educate all healthcare professionals involved in prescribing and dispensing antibiotics in order to avoid the unnecessary use of non-penicillin-based antibiotics and associated cost implication.
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