Is the number of prescriptions an appropriate metric for outpatient antimicrobial consumption? A comparison between the prescription counts and days supplied

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023 Jun;44(6):941-944. doi: 10.1017/ice.2022.189. Epub 2022 Aug 23.

Abstract

The optimal metric for outpatient antimicrobial stewardship has not been well defined. The number of antibiotic prescriptions per clinic visit does not account for the therapeutic duration. We found only moderate association between prescription-based metrics and days-supplied-based metrics. Outpatient antibiotic consumption metrics should incorporate the duration of therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Outpatients*
  • Prescriptions

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents