Abstract
Objective:
To assess records of the prescribing and use of antimicrobials in Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) for the elderly in towns in the midwest of Minas Gerais.
Method:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in six non-profit LTCFs. A printed questionnaire containing variables related to socio-demographic and health data and antimicrobial records were used. Pearson's Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were employed to evaluate the association between variables.
Results:
The records of 250 elderly persons were evaluated. Of these, 110 individuals made use of antimicrobials. There was an association between length of stay in the institution, the use of antimicrobial drugs and the diagnosis of infection (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
The lack of and/or inadequacies in antimicrobial records/prescriptions and infection records is a problem for the health of the elderly and could also affect the care provided by other professionals.
Key words:
Aomes for the Aged; Drug Prescriptions; Medical Records; Anti-Bacterial Agents.