Assessment of appropriate antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections in an internal medicine clinic.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections encountered in ambulatory care and inpatient settings. Although these infections are common, not all patients are prescribed an appropriate antibiotic or duration of therapy. The primary objective of this analysis was to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic selection and duration of therapy for patients in an adult internal medicine clinic diagnosed as having a UTI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013) of adult patients in an internal medicine clinic who were diagnosed as having a UTI. Pediatric and pregnant patients were excluded from the analysis. Data pertaining to the classification of UTI, antibiotic regimen, urine culture, and renal function were collected. All of the data were analyzed to determine whether the prescribing habits at the internal medicine clinic aligned with Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for antibiotic selection and duration of therapy for acute uncomplicated cystitis, complicated cystitis, catheter-associated UTI, and pyelonephritis. RESULTS: There were 269 records available for the analysis, with the majority of the cases being uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. Of 128 cases of patients with uncomplicated UTIs and 116 cases of patients with complicated UTIs, 64.1% and 42.2%, respectively, were prescribed appropriate first- or second-line therapy, which aligned with the recommendations of the IDSA. Regarding the individual components of the UTI treatment regimen, antibiotic selection had the highest frequency of appropriateness, with 97.6% of uncomplicated UTI cases and 90.5% of complicated UTI cases having been treated with a recommended antibiotic. In contrast, the treatment duration for uncomplicated and complicated UTIs had the lowest frequency of appropriateness, at 71.9% and 58.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving an adequate antibiotic regimen for a UTI is important to prevent treatment failure and the emergence of resistant organisms. Overall, the studied antibiotic regimens prescribed for various UTIs diagnosed in the clinic did not align with the IDSA recommendations.

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water: local analysis of the problem and finding a solution through awareness.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate public awareness of pharmaceuticals in drinking water and to develop educational efforts to promote awareness in our community. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted to gain a full perspective of the current issue. Questionnaires, interviews, and website feedback were used to assess awareness of the problem and the most commonly used medication disposal methods. In addition, educational flyers were created to disseminate information to the public. RESULTS: The questionnaires were completed by a total of 96 respondents. Of respondents employed in health care, 72% had previous knowledge of pharmaceutical medications being found in our local (Charleston, SC) water supply, and of respondents not employed in health care, 54% had previous knowledge. For those with previous knowledge, 7% disposed of medications in the toilet or sink, 38% used the trash, and 36% used multiple methods. Of respondents indicating no previous knowledge, 3% disposed of medications in the toilet or sink, 35% used the trash, and 42% used multiple methods. CONCLUSION: Public awareness of pharmaceuticals in drinking water and educational efforts focusing on proper disposal of medications are essential in helping to reduce drinking water contamination.