Objetive:

To describe the preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of antimicrobials used in a Neonatal Care Unit in Santiago de Chile.

Methods:

This is a descriptive study. An assessment instrument was administered to 20 midwives laboring in a Chilean Neonatal Care Unit during 2018 in order to gather information on 11 variables related to the preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of antimicrobials.

Results:

Information was gathered on 14 antimicrobials; 92.8% of these were injectable. 78.2% of the surveyed personnel recognized the value of the drug dosification unit. 85.7% of antimicrobials were eliminated after their preparation. Regarding the dilution, in 76.9% of the cases saline solution was used with diverse concentrations. A close monitoring of the drug administration was followed only in 7.2% of the cases.

Conclusions:

Due to the variability found in the processes of preservation, dilution, and monitoring of antimicrobials in this Neonatal Care Unit, an implementation of a local protocol to improve the procedures and avoid adverse events or complications is proposed.