Explaining differences in operating costs among poison control centers: an exploratory study

To explore the effects of population, staffing, location, and funding on cost per human poison exposure call; and organizational characteristics differentiating higher- and lower-cost centers.

Data from 65 poison control centers (2001) were analyzed with linear multiple regression; qualitative data from 10 centers were compared.

The most important predictor of expenses per call was 24-hour coverage by Specialists in Poison Information ($15.70 of $40.53/call). Other factors increasing total expenses included northeast location and more health educator FTEs. Qualitative information revealed that more complex organizational forms, including multiple reporting and accountability relationships, characterized higher-cost centers. Surprisingly, having a wider range of reported activities (less specialization) was more common among lower-cost centers.

Wide variability in cost per call suggests that inefficiencies exist. While elimination of inefficient poison control centers could reduce costs, the loss of training and collaborative opportunities, and preparedness for public health emergencies and bio-terrorism events, might mitigate against such restructuring.