Antibiotic Prescribing in Acute Wound Management

Aims The primary aim is to ensure patients receive recommended acute wound care. Specific objectives include improving wound management, enhancing antimicrobial stewardship, and aligning practices with national guidelines. Methods A retrospective audit spanning May to October 2023 assessed prescriptions for in-patients receiving antibiotics for wound management. Detailed patient records were scrutinized to evaluate compliance with standards, including wound assessment documentation, antibiotic indication adherence, tetanus status recording, and wound swab collection. Results A total of 21 patients/encounters met the criteria for inclusion. Documentation deficiencies were prevalent, with only 61.9% of prescriptions featuring complete wound assessments. Additionally, antibiotic indications met NICE criteria in only 42.8% of cases, while tetanus status documentation was absent across all records. Despite 76% receiving first-line antibiotics, only 19% had wound swabs collected. Conclusion Self-harm rates in the United Kingdom, particularly among those with mental health disorders, are alarming. Hospitalizations are often required to address acute self-inflicted wounds, yet in-patient settings present unique challenges exacerbating self-harming tendencies. This audit underscores the imperative of optimizing acute wound management in in-patient settings. By implementing evidence-based practices and addressing identified deficiencies, healthcare providers can enhance patient outcomes and ensure optimal care delivery.