Assessment of prophylactic antibiotic usage habits of the general surgeons in Turkey

One of the most important aspects of inappropriate antibiotic use among general surgeons in Turkey is the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP). In order to shed light on the current situation, we conducted a survey of general surgeons in our country. Our aim was to evaluate the approach taken by our general surgeons in prescribing SP, while providing data pertinent to the effectiveness of the 'Rational Drug Use' (AIK) national action plan. A questionnaire on the subject of personal SP usage and compliance with guidelines was distributed amongst general surgeons between 2018-2019. The questions related to individual approaches taken by surgeons when treating patients with either clean or clean-contaminated wounds. Results of the questionnaires were collated and compliance with ASHP guidelines was evaluated. A total of 317 completed questionnaires were evaluated. According to the questionnaire results, the rate of total compliance with ASHP guidelines was 26.8%. The compliance rate for preoperative SP was 69.7% in the clean wound group and 54.6% in the clean-contaminated wound group. Although 96.5% of the participants reported correct timing for the first dose of SP, this number dropped to 79.5% apropos the adminstration of further doses of prophylaxis. The percentage of surgeons prescribing continued antibiotics at discharge for clean and clean-contaminated cases was 22.7% and 38.5%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that inappropriate use of SP is widespread in our country, and that antibiotics continue to be prescribed at discharge.