Description
This measure details the rate per 100 of surgical hospital admission with an antibiotic dispensed within 30 days of discharge. It is recommended that, along with good infection control, antibiotics be prescribed only when needed, with the narrowest spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It is not best practice for antibiotics to be administered routinely postoperatively. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends antibiotics be used only in cases where infection is clinically evident. Previous research in Aotearoa New Zealand concluded a significant proportion of antibiotics dispensed in patients discharged following surgery was inappropriate and recommended enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in this area.
Measure set
Notes about this measure set
Numerator
Surgical hospital admissions dispensed an antibiotic within 30 days of discharge.
Denominator
Surgical hospital admissions with a length of stay of at least one day.
Denominator detail
Admission type: surgical diagnostic-related groups only.
Denominator exclusions
- Exclude non-casemix events to remove events related to mental health, maternity and aged care. Events of less than one day were excluded to ensure only inpatient events were included.
- Topical antibiotics were excluded.
Responsible organisation(s)
Resources
Measure Technical Document: Surgical hospital admissions with an antibiotic dispensed within 30 days of discharge (.pdf)
Resource Type
Description
This document contains a detailed definition of the measure.