Cost-benefit analysis identifies best practices

Managers who want to prove the value of procedures or equipment choices will do well to include a detailed cost-benefit analysis in their best practices summaries. That's the approach same-day surgery managers took to prove certain laparoscopic procedures were cost-effective as well as best practice. Patients with laparoscopic appendectomy spent less time in the hospital, required fewer doses of Demerol postoperatively, experienced less blood loss, and returned to work more quickly, according to a literature search by Vangie Paschall, RN, CNOR, laser endoscopic coordinator at Promina Gwinnett Health System in Lawrenceville, GA. Although laparoscopic appendectomy involves a small additional cost, it attracts payers who want good quality outcomes for patients.