Cost-saving study of some highly bioavailable antibiotics used in pulmonary disorders

Abstract

Background: Medicines misuse, a global concern highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), often involves inappropriate administration routes, such as injectable drugs when oral alternatives are viable. Implementing IVOST guidelines for converting injectable antibiotics to oral form presents a significant cost-saving opportunity. Aim: This study aims to assess antibiotic usage in the Pulmonary Pathology Department and quantify potential cost savings by converting highly bioavailable antibiotics from injectable to oral forms, following IVOST guidelines. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted, utilizing medical records of 520 patients admitted to the Pulmonary Pathology Department. Data were processed using SPSS-26.0 software. Results: Among the 520 inpatients included in the study, 39.2% (n=204) were men, and 60.8% (n=316) were women, with an average age of 57.6±16.8 years. The average number of drugs used per patient was 14.14±2.52. Of the patients, 62.5% (n=325) used switchable antibiotics meeting IVOST guidelines, among which only 7.7% (n=25) utilized oral antibiotics, while the remaining 92.3% (n=300) administered them via injection. The average cost of injectable antibiotics was 29,271.42 ± 7,815.68 MNT, totaling 8,682,365 MNT. After 72 hours from the start of treatment, if continued in the form of oral medicine, the average cost per patient was 17,384.65±1,791.93 MNT, resulting in a total cost of 4,777,565 MNT. This approach also reduced the number of injections by 6.07±0.84 per patient, with the average cost of antibiotics per patient reduced by 40.6%, totaling 3,904,800 MNT or 44.97% in savings. Conclusion: Additionally, adhering to IVOST guidelines could reduce the cost of sodium chloride, novocaine and disposable tools such as syringes, systems, and auxiliary materials such as sponges and stickers by an average of 11,608.65 ± 5,022.26 MNT per patient, amounting to a total savings of 895,666.3 MNT.