Interventional programs promoting the. timely conversion of intravenou
s to oral antimicrobial therapy have been reported from several hospit
als in the U.S.A. and elsewhere. Factors influencing the initiation an
d conduct of these programs include technological advances, changes in
health care delivery or reimbursement, publication of supportive clin
ical data and growth of clinical pharmacy services. Successful program
s employ comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategies to contain antimi
crobial-related expenditures using interventions based on structured c
riteria. Future emphasis on cost-effective drug therapy, advances in c
omputer-based information technology and development of care maps can
have favourable influences on the growth of these programs in the U.S.
A.