Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Judicious use of antibiotics is essential considering the growth of antimicrobial resistance and escalating costs in health care. This intervention study used treatment guidelines to improve antibiotic therapy by changing prescribing practice. ⋯ Antibiotic treatment guidelines for the infections most commonly occurring in hospitalized patients resulted in a significant increase in appropriate antibiotic use. The program was successful in changing prescription practice and achieved a sustained optimization of HAP therapy. Implementing, teaching and monitoring treatment guidelines can have a major impact on patient care.