Evaluation Of The Rationality Of The Use Of Antibiotics In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) At Sultan Sulaiman Serdang Bedagai Regional Hospital
Evaluation of the Rationality of the Use of Antibiotics in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at Sultan Sulaiman Serdang Bedagai Regional Hospital
Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, with over 3 million deaths reported in 2020. The management of COPD requires a comprehensive approach, including the use of antibiotics to treat exacerbations and prevent further complications. However, the misuse of antibiotics can lead to therapy failure, antibiotic resistance, and other adverse outcomes.
Background
The use of antibiotics in COPD patients is a critical aspect of their management. However, the rationality of antibiotic use in these patients is often questioned due to the potential for misuse and overuse. The Gyssens method is a widely used tool for assessing the rationality of antibiotic use, which takes into account factors such as the type of antibiotic, dosage, and duration of therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the rationality of antibiotic use in COPD patients at Sultan Sulaiman Serdang Bedagai Regional Hospital using the Gyssens method.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive survey method with a cross-sectional retrospective design. The data collected from the medical records of COPD patients at Sultan Sulaiman Serdang Bedagai Regional Hospital during the period of January-December 2020 were analyzed using the Gyssens method. The inclusion criteria for the study were patients with a diagnosis of COPD, aged 18 years and above, and who had received antibiotics during the study period.
Results
The results of the study showed that a total of 72 COPD patients were included in the analysis. The majority of the patients were male (83.33%), with a mean age of 71.4 years (SD = 8.5). The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (21.21%), hypertension (15.28%), and coronary artery disease (10.42%). The most commonly used antibiotics were cephalosporins, with ceftriaxone being the most frequently used (78.16%). The majority of antibiotics were administered in the form of injection preparations (90.80%).
Analysis of Antibiotic Use
Further analysis of the data revealed that sephriaxone was the most widely used single antibiotic (94.74%), while the combination of sephriakson + levofloxacin was the most frequent combination of antibiotics (40%). The results also showed that there were cases of irrational antibiotic use, including the use of antibiotics with inappropriate doses (IIA category) and antibiotics with too long therapy duration (Category IIIA).
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that sephriakson is the most widely used antibiotic in COPD patients at Sultan Sulaiman Serdang Bedagai Regional Hospital, both as a single therapy and in combination with levofloxacin. The study also highlights the need for increased education and training for medical personnel regarding guidelines for the use of appropriate antibiotics for COPD patients. Furthermore, periodic monitoring and evaluation of antibiotic use, as well as the application of information systems to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics, are essential to ensure the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients.
Suggestions and Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following suggestions and recommendations are proposed:
*** Increasing education and training ** For medical personnel regarding guidelines for the use of appropriate antibiotics for COPD patients. *** Periodic monitoring and evaluation ** on the use of antibiotics in COPD patients to identify and overcome the potential for irrational use. *** Application of information systems ** to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics and monitor the use of antibiotics in hospitals. *** Cooperation with Pharmacists ** To ensure appropriate provision of information to patients regarding the use of antibiotics.
Limitations
It is essential to note that this study has limitations, including the use of retrospective data from a single hospital. To obtain more comprehensive results, further research with a stronger design, such as prospective studies with larger samples, is necessary.
Future Directions
The findings of this study highlight the need for further research on the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients. Future studies should aim to investigate the effectiveness of educational programs for medical personnel, as well as the impact of information systems on antibiotic use. Additionally, studies should explore the role of pharmacists in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of evaluating the rationality of antibiotic use in COPD patients. The findings of this study emphasize the need for increased education and training for medical personnel, as well as the application of information systems to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can ensure the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Rational Use of Antibiotics in COPD Patients
Q: What is the main goal of the study on the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients?
A: The main goal of the study is to evaluate the rationality of antibiotic use in COPD patients at Sultan Sulaiman Serdang Bedagai Regional Hospital and to identify areas for improvement.
Q: What is the significance of the study's findings on the use of sephriaxone and sephriakson + levofloxacin?
A: The study's findings on the use of sephriaxone and sephriakson + levofloxacin highlight the importance of these antibiotics in the management of COPD patients. However, they also raise concerns about the potential for irrational use and the need for increased education and training for medical personnel.
Q: What are the potential consequences of irrational antibiotic use in COPD patients?
A: The potential consequences of irrational antibiotic use in COPD patients include therapy failure, antibiotic resistance, and other adverse outcomes. These consequences can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased healthcare costs.
Q: What are some strategies for improving the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients?
A: Some strategies for improving the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients include increasing education and training for medical personnel, periodic monitoring and evaluation of antibiotic use, and the application of information systems to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics.
Q: What is the role of pharmacists in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients?
A: Pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients by providing accurate and timely information to patients and healthcare providers about the use of antibiotics.
Q: What are some limitations of the study?
A: Some limitations of the study include the use of retrospective data from a single hospital and the need for further research with a stronger design, such as prospective studies with larger samples.
Q: What are some future directions for research on the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients?
A: Some future directions for research on the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients include investigating the effectiveness of educational programs for medical personnel, exploring the impact of information systems on antibiotic use, and examining the role of pharmacists in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics.
Q: What are some implications of the study's findings for healthcare providers and policymakers?
A: The study's findings have implications for healthcare providers and policymakers, including the need for increased education and training for medical personnel, the implementation of information systems to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics, and the development of policies to promote the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients.
Q: What are some recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers based on the study's findings?
A: Some recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers based on the study's findings include:
- Increasing education and training for medical personnel regarding guidelines for the use of appropriate antibiotics for COPD patients
- Periodic monitoring and evaluation of antibiotic use in COPD patients
- Application of information systems to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics
- Cooperation with pharmacists to ensure appropriate provision of information to patients regarding the use of antibiotics
Conclusion
The study on the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients highlights the importance of evaluating the rationality of antibiotic use in these patients. The findings of the study emphasize the need for increased education and training for medical personnel, as well as the application of information systems to assist doctors in choosing the right antibiotics. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can ensure the rational use of antibiotics in COPD patients and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.