How is Average Daily Census (ADC) calculated?

The calculation of Average Daily Census (ADC) is focused on understanding how many patients, on average, are present in a healthcare facility each day over a specific period. This metric is important for managing resources, staff, and planning for patient care.

The correct method to calculate ADC involves taking the total number of patient days (which refers to the cumulative days that all patients occupy a bed) and dividing it by the total number of days in the time period under consideration. This gives a clear understanding of the average occupancy of the facility.

For example, if a hospital reports 300 total patient days over a 30-day month, dividing 300 by 30 yields an average of 10 patients per day. This reflects how the patient bed capacity is utilized over time.

Other options do reflect different aspects of hospital operations, but they do not accurately define how ADC is derived. This makes the correct approach essential for accurate financial planning and operational efficiency in managing healthcare resources.