How is the daily inpatient census defined?

The daily inpatient census is accurately defined as the daily total of inpatients present, including those who were admitted or discharged during that day. This measurement is crucial for healthcare facilities as it provides a snapshot of the number of patients receiving inpatient care on any given day, reflecting both the current situation and the flow of patients through the hospital.

This definition encompasses all inpatients, ensuring a comprehensive count that aids in resource allocation, staffing, and overall hospital management. It allows hospitals to track the admissions and discharges effectively, which is essential for understanding patient turnover and operational efficiency.

The other options lack the necessary detail or accuracy. For example, simply counting the total number of inpatients present at midnight does not consider changes that occur throughout the day, such as new admissions or discharges, which can significantly affect the census. A weekly average fails to provide a day-to-day picture, and counting outpatients does not relate to the inpatient census at all. Therefore, the definition that captures the daily total of inpatients, inclusive of those admitted or discharged, is the most accurate and reflective of the inpatient census.