Antibiotic Stewardship Program in a General Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE: Preparedness for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for resilient healthcare systems capable of swift response and adaptation, particularly in light of the ongoing global threat of antibiotic resistance. Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are not exempted and must establish robust antibiotic stewardship programs capable of navigating any pandemic, ensuring judicious antibiotic use while maintaining high standards of care and optimal patient outcomes. This study seeks to evaluate the maturity levels of antibiotic stewardship programs in a general hospital to assess preparedness for such health crises. By analyzing data from non-surgical hospitalized patients in a specific age bracket, the study examines prescribing practices, program efficacy, and the hospital's overall readiness to manage infectious disease outbreaks. The findings will guide efforts to strengthen antibiotic stewardship and improve pandemic readiness across healthcare settings. Methods The retrospective observational study focused on non-surgical hospitalized patients aged 25-40 from January to December 2019. Data were collected from electronic medical records between March 2023 and February 2024, using a predefined set of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes related to respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and nosocomial infections. The study evaluated clinicians' prescribing habits, antibiotic consumption, stewardship interventions, and the overall impact on the healthcare system to assess the implementation and maturity levels of the antibiotic stewardship program. Results A study of 240 cases involving 229 patients revealed significant findings in antibiotic use and resistance patterns based on predefined criteria. The average duration of antibiotic use per patient was 6.23 days. Duplicate anaerobic therapy was identified in 4.58% of cases.