How is the rate of new antibiotic prescriptions in nursing homes calculated?

The rate of new antibiotic prescriptions in nursing homes is calculated by dividing the number of new prescriptions by resident-days. This method provides a standardized measure that reflects the incidence of new antibiotic prescriptions relative to the population of residents over a specific period.

Using resident-days, which accounts for both the number of residents and the duration of their stay, allows for a more accurate understanding of the rate at which antibiotics are being prescribed. This metric is crucial as it helps identify trends, monitor antibiotic usage, and implement appropriate infection prevention strategies.

Calculating the rate this way ensures that it is not just a raw count of prescriptions, but rather a measure that accounts for the size and turnover of the resident population, providing context to the data and enabling better management of antibiotic stewardship within the facility.