How costs change with infection prevention efforts

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Economics
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Nosocomial infections incur significant costs, necessitating evaluation of prevention strategies.
• Limited research previously focused on the economic impact of infection prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature since January 2013 on the economic impact of infection prevention efforts.
• To assess how costs change in relation to infection prevention interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of articles published from January 2013 onwards.
• Analysis of studies reporting costs of nosocomial infections, alcohol-based hand rub in low-income countries, and cost-effectiveness of infection prevention programs.

Main Results:

• Eight studies demonstrated cost savings and health benefits from infection prevention programs, deeming them economically worthwhile.
• One study focused on the cost of alcohol-based hand rub in low-income settings.
• A systematic review on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus control program costs and a methods article on cost estimation were identified.

Conclusions:

• The research landscape has shifted towards evaluating the economic value of infection prevention, moving beyond just reporting disease costs.
• Current evidence suggests infection prevention interventions are cost-effective.
• Further research is required to address knowledge gaps in implementation costs, cost savings, and associated health benefits.