Redundant combinations of antianaerobic antimicrobials: impact of pharmacist-based prospective audit and feedback and prescription characteristics

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the intervention targeting the redundant combination of antianaerobic antimicrobials on its incidence and associated antimicrobial consumption. To reveal the characteristics of the combination and the change in the related workload over time was an additional aim of the study. The combinations of metronidazole or clindamycin with antianaerobic antimicrobials were classified into redundant or acceptable, according to the target indications. A pharmacist-based prospective audit and feedback targeting the redundant antianaerobic combination was conducted. Segmented regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of the intervention. As a quantitative index of the interventional activity, the change in the number of signed consultation notes was evaluated. After the initiation of the intervention, the median monthly cumulative incidence of the redundant combination decreased from 5.29 (Interquartile range [IQR] 4.94–5.70) to 3.33 (IQR 2.87–3.71) ( p < 0.001) per 1000 admissions per month. The consumption of concurrently administered metronidazole and clindamycin decreased from 3.34 (IQR 2.97–4.10) to 1.74 (IQR 1.19–1.93) ( p < 0.001) per 1000 patient-days per month. Segmented regression analysis revealed that the monthly cumulative incidence decreased by 28.5% after the initiation of the intervention (change in level − 1.640, p = 0.019) and the monthly consumption decreased by 33.9% (change in level − 1.409, p = 0.009). The number of consultation notes per 1000 admissions per month decreased over time (regression coefficient − 0.004, p < 0.001). The pharmacist-based intervention significantly reduced the incidence and associated antimicrobial consumption of the redundant antianaerobic combination. The overall related workload reduced steadily over time.