The effect of an education program on cefazolin prescribing.

A study was conducted to identify cefazolin prescribing practices prior to a pharmacy based educational program and to assess the effect of the educational program on cefazolin prescribing and costs. The educational program consisted of the circulation of a drug information bulletin, a letter from the Chairman of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee to all medical staff and pharmacists plus personal communications with physicians by pharmacists. The assessment involved a retrospective review of all cefazolin orders written during two 25-day periods, before and after the educational program. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (p less than 0.05 by Z-test of proportions) in the number of cefazolin orders more frequent than every eight hours as well as the total number of doses given at more frequent regimens. This improvement in appropriate prescribing resulted in cost savings of $1,727.71 for the post education study period. This saving extrapolated to 12 months would lead to a $25,224.57 annual saving. This study suggests the effectiveness of a multifaceted educational program in optimizing prescribing.