Artificial intelligence-assisted quality control circles led by clinical pharmacists to improve the rational use of parenteral proton pump inhibitors among hospitalised patients

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion and are commonly overused in clinical practice. We developed a quality control circle (QCC) assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) and led by clinical pharmacists to improve rational PPI use among patients in our hospital. A QCC team was established to follow QCC procedures. The root causes of inappropriate use were identified via AI-assisted brainstorming, and corresponding strategies were developed. The percentages of rational injectable PPI use before and after QCC implementation were calculated and compared. Radar charts were used to evaluate the capabilities of QCC members. Following QCC implementation, the percentage of rational injectable PPI use among hospitalised patients in our hospital increased from 66.51 to 93.43%, with a goal achievement percentage of 126.92% and a progression percentage of 40.47%. The increase in the percentage of rational PPI use was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Team cohesion, responsibility and proficiency in QCC techniques improved following QCC implementation. The standardised process for using injectable PPIs became more regulated following this process. AI-assisted, clinical pharmacist-led QCCs represent an efficient management tool for improving rational injectable PPI use among hospitalised patients, thereby promoting rational drug use.