Antibiotics prescription in the elderly across different clinical areas; A real-life clinical audit

Ageing of the population represents a great challenge to the national health system (NHS) in the UK. Patients in this age group have multiple comorbidities and use polypharmacy. They also have alterations in the absorption, metabolism and excretion of drugs. These factors make them susceptible to developing side effects and drug interactions on using antibiotics.Our team audited the safety of antibiotic prescription in elderly patients (above 85 years of age) in regards to the selection of the appropriate antibiotics, and the documentation of the indication and duration of them. We also compared the prescription process during working hours and out of hours. We recruited 20 patients from each of the three departments involved in their care: The Old people admission unit (OPAU), the geriatric wards and other hospital wards. Our minimum compliance rate was 95% in each of the studied parameters. We spotted a significant compromise in the antibiotic prescription on non-geriatric wards and out of hours. This goes with the concerns raised by other studies. We recommend continuous education and the setting up of campaigns to increase the awareness of the medical staff on this aspect.