AN AUDIT OF THE PAEDIATRIC EMPIRIC ANTI-INFECTIVE GUIDELINES AND ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUG DOSE TABLE FOR CHILDREN.

Standard 1 passed, this shows an improvement from the last audit of the guidelines in 2013 (of 72% adherence). In one case the indication of the antibiotic was not within the guidelines, which should be amended.Standard 2 passed-However, most of the indications were found in the notes, with clear documentation space on the drug chart it would be useful to have the indication in the drug chart. There has been a significant improvement from the previous audit carried out (from 16%).Standard 3 did not meet the adherence requirement expected. However, there has been an improvement from 14% from last year.Standard 4 (not been previously audited) suggests that the drug dosing table is also clear in providing guidance. Two data were excluded from the overall data as cefuroxime and rifampicin are not in the guidelines.Overall, the main need for improvement is having the duration of treatment documented. To achieve improvement in all standards would require:▸ Presenting the results to the antibiotic stewardship and pharmacy team.▸ Implementing an electronic prescribing system which prompts for completion of essential fields.▸ Updating and renewing the antibiotic Smart-phone App.▸ Compulsory education sessions for the junior doctors by the antibiotic stewardship team.