Frequency and types of alerts for antibiotic prescribing in a neonatal ICU.

Sepsis in neonates is a significant problem that carries with it severe morbidity and mortality. Managing antibiotics in this population is therefore an important issue. We studied clinical alerts currently in place to support antibiotic prescribing in a neonatal intensive care unit in order to ensure that appropriate information is being provided in a way that is consistent with current recommendations. Data were obtained from our alerts tracking database. Alerts were described according to triggering orders and clinician recipients. We found that alerts most commonly associated with antibiotics are providing critical information regarding lab results and patient factors necessary in preventing adverse effects of these drugs. Clinician recipients of alerts are those responsible for entering orders and the information is being provided at the point of care.