Enhancing the Appropriate Use of Vancomycin in Pediatric Patients: The Impact of Drug Utilization Evaluation and Infectious Disease Consultation

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the impact of a drug utilization evaluation (DUE) program on vancomycin prescribing appropriateness and examined clinical factors, including infectious disease (ID) consultation, associated with appropriate use in a pediatric setting. Methods: A historical-control study was conducted among hospitalized children under 18 years who received intravenous vancomycin from January 2020 to January 2022. Prescriptions before DUE implementation were retrospectively reviewed (non-DUE group). From February 2021, a voluntary DUE program was introduced (DUE group). Demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: Among 423 prescriptions (232 non-DUE; 191 DUE), appropriateness was significantly higher in the DUE group (87.9% vs 72.0%; P < .001). DUE implementation (adjusted OR 2.96: 95% CI 1.44-6.10; P = .003) and ID consultation (adjusted OR 3.87: 95% CI 1.95-7.67; P < .001) were independently associated with appropriate vancomycin prescribing. Conclusion: Implementation of a DUE program improved vancomycin prescribing appropriateness, with ID consultation serving as an additional contributor to appropriate use.