ASTRO-PUs were developed with the intended purpose of enabling adjustment to the cost-based medicines dispensed (prescribing) data to account for the demographic variables of age, sex and temporary resident status. However, changes in prescribing behaviour and trends, alongside demographics, over time, necessitate that this weighting is refreshed to ensure that it remains accurate.
The RDTC in collaboration with Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS, have calculated updated ASTRO-PUs (both cost and item based ‘age, sex and temporary resident originated prescribing units’) for England. This bulletin describes the methodology and revised ASTRO-PU weightings.
This publication is open access