Which component is NOT part of the 5Bs of antibiotic prescription?

The 5Bs of antibiotic prescription include components that help guide the appropriate use of antibiotics in clinical settings, especially in modes like infection prevention in nursing homes. The components generally include:

• Diagnosis: This is essential as it relates to identifying the specific infection for which antibiotics may be required.

• Drug: This relates to the selection of the specific antibiotic to be prescribed, taking into account the infection type and patient factors.

• De-escalation: This refers to the practice of narrowing antibiotic therapy after initial treatment based on culture results and clinical response, promoting effective use of antibiotics while minimizing resistance.

Cost, while an important consideration in healthcare, is not recognized as a primary component in the 5Bs framework for antibiotic prescribing. The primary focus of the 5Bs is on clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and promoting appropriate use, rather than the financial implications of prescribing decisions. This delineation is crucial in understanding the elements that ensure antibiotics are used judiciously and effectively in treating infections.