ASSESMENT OF RESTRICTED ANTIBIOTICS UTILISATION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN MAHARASHTRA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of limited antibiotics in a 
Northern Maharashtra tertiary care hospital. The study, which took place at Apollo Hospital 
Nashik over a period of eighteen months, from January 2023 to June 2024, examined antibiotic 
use, culture sensitivity testing, prescription appropriateness, and the usage of escalation and 
de-escalation protocols. The patients Included were 493 who were on restricted antibiotics for 
longer than 48 hours. The findings showed that 22% of patients were tested for culture 
sensitivity after receiving antibiotics, 21% had no culture testing, and 57% of patients had 
testing for cultural sensitivity performed prior to the administration of antibiotics. Of the 
patients, 76% underwent empirical therapy and 18% received definitive therapy.