AIMSThe objective of this study has been to evaluate, prospectively, to what extant the administration of antibiotics in surgical prophylaxis conforms with the established guide-lines laid down by the infections Comralilecs. MATERIAL AND METHODSAn incidence prospective multicontre study with a five weeks duration was carried out in 3 hospitals. All operated patients (n=562) were included with the exception of those from eye, ear, nose and throat surgery. A specially demgned form was used for data collection. The data used came from anesthesia and pharmacotherapeimc profiles.The valuation of prophylactic treatment was performed by a team of two pharmacists and one surgeon.hldication, antibiotic election, initiation and duration of prophylaxis were analyzed, RESULTSThirty-seven percent of 207 patients studied received antibiotic phrophylactic treatment Although there were differences betw-cn hospitals, an average of 40% of the antibiotic administered did not conform with the guide-lines established in each centre. The results "~ere 57%, 56% and 13% respectively. The adininistration of antibiotic phrophylaxis more than an hour before strutting surgery was the main inappropriate use (44%). CONCLUSIONSProspective studiesare useful for evaluating the use of antibiotics ill surgical prophylaxis. They enable the inclusion of a large number of patients and also an oblective measurement of the level of adherence to the Infection Comreattees recomanded guidu-lmes. This in turn determines wether or not corrective measures should be taken,

The approach in treatment in medical oncology and particularly in the management of solid tumours has to integrate--at least--two targets: the enhancement of therapeutic efficacy, and the respect of global budget assigned to health. Different teams are implicated in such an approach and especially physicians and pharmacists. We decided to conduct a comparative study of three techniques of administering drugs as a continuous infusion. We analysed time and materials required for the preparation in the centralized preparation unit, and for dispensing and nursing in the health units. The use of programmable pumps (CADD-1) leads to overall saving costs of 27 to 40% compared to administration by means of an infusion bag or a motor-drive syringe.