Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Vol 41, 267-272, Copyright © 1998 by The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
A Sasse, R Mertens, JP Sion, O Ronveaux, M Bossens, P De Mol, H Goossens, S Lauwers, C Potvliege, H Van Landuyt, L Verbist and G Verschraegen
Between 1991 and 1995 the Belgian National Program for Surveillance of
Hospital Infections (NSIH) collected data on perioperative antibiotic
prophylaxis in 72 acute care hospitals. From the costs of prophylactic
antibiotics for six categories of surgical procedure and from discharge
summaries for hospitalization episodes nationwide, annual drug costs were
estimated for 73% of Belgian surgical activity. Costs of antibiotics used
in these surgical activities were estimated at 386-410 million Belgian
francs (Bf) per year (US$12.1-12.9 million). After agreeing recommendations
for best practice, the hypothetical costs of 'optimal' antimicrobial
prophylaxis were calculated for the same selection of surgical procedures.
It was calculated that savings of at least 194 million Bf (US$6.1 million)
could be made if recommendations were followed closely. Only the costs
borne by the National Health Insurance Institute for reimbursement of the
dispensed drugs were considered in this study. Other direct costs, such as
those related to drug storage, dispensing and administration, were not
included.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Surgical prophylaxis in Belgian hospitals: estimate of costs and potential savings
Service Epidemiologie, IHE, Antwerpen, Belgium.
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