A Computer-Assisted Management Program for Antibiotics and Other Antiinfective Agents

TLDR

Optimal antibiotic decisions in critically ill patients depend on complex, voluminous information. The study developed a computerized decision‑support program linked to patient records to aid physicians in antiinfective use and enhance care quality. The program displays epidemiologic data, offers regimen recommendations and warnings, delivers immediate feedback, and was prospectively evaluated over one year in a 12‑bed ICU.

Abstract

Optimal decisions about the use of antibiotics and other antiinfective agents in critically ill patients require access to a large amount of complex information. We have developed a computerized decision-support program linked to computer-based patient records that can assist physicians in the use of antiinfective agents and improve the quality of care. This program presents epidemiologic information, along with detailed recommendations and warnings. The program recommends antiinfective regimens and courses of therapy for particular patients and provides immediate feedback. We prospectively studied the use of the computerized antiinfectives-management program for one year in a 12-bed intensive care unit.