Description
This measure shows the percentage of seasonal variation in community systemic antibiotic dispensing. While bacterial infections increase during winter, increased prescribing in winter may suggest antibiotics are also being used to treat viral respiratory infections. This may represent an opportunity to optimise antibiotic use.
Measure set
Notes about this measure set
Numerator
Community antibiotic dispensing per day in the winter months (Apr–Sept).
Denominator
Community antibiotic dispensing per day in the summer months (Oct–Mar).
Denominator detail
Antibiotics:
- Amoxicillin 1072, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 1070, doxycycline 2529, roxithromycin 2790, trimethoprim 2300, erythromycin ethyl succinate 6026, co-trimoxazole 1361, cefaclor monohydrate 1228, phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) 1970.
Denominator exclusions
Antibiotics: Flucloxacillin and fusidic acid.
Responsible organisation(s)
Data sources
Resources
Measure Technical Document: Seasonal variation in community systemic antibiotic dispensing (.pdf)
Resource Type
Description
This document contains a detailed definition of the measure.