What term describes the average number of patients per day over a specific period?

The term that describes the average number of patients per day over a specific period is known as Average Daily Census. This metric is crucial for healthcare facilities as it provides insight into the facility's occupancy levels and assists in resource allocation, staffing, and financial planning. By calculating the average number of patients using the facility each day, healthcare administrators can better understand trends in patient volume over time, which can inform decisions related to patient care and operational efficiency.

In contrast, Patient Census refers to the total number of patients in a healthcare facility at a specific point in time rather than averaged over a period. Patient Turnover deals with the rate at which patients are admitted and discharged, which focuses more on the flow of patients rather than simply averaging the number present. The Daily Admission Rate indicates the number of patients admitted on any given day, which does not reflect the average patient volume but rather the influx of new patients. Each of these terms serves a different purpose in healthcare management.