The Cost Of Acute Burn Patients Treated In A Moroccan Intensive Burn Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Burn Care Economics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Eighty-five percent of global burn injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Data on the economic burden of burn treatment in LMICs remains scarce.
• Understanding burn care costs is crucial for patients, families, governments, and insurers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively calculate the direct costs associated with managing acute, in-hospital burns in Morocco.
• To provide a financial benchmark for burn care in a LMIC setting.
• To inform governmental and hospital authorities on budgeting for burn centers and national burn patient care.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive calculation of direct costs for in-hospital acute burn management.
• Analysis of resource utilization including specialized personnel, equipment, facilities, and dressings.
• Comparative analysis of treatment costs with international reports.

Main Results:

• The mean direct cost of burn treatment per patient in Morocco was calculated to be US$16,975.
• Despite being less expensive than in other nations, burn care presents a significant financial burden in Morocco.
• Detailed cost breakdown provides insights into resource allocation for specialized burn care.

Conclusions:

• The direct costs of acute burn care in Morocco are substantial, posing a considerable financial challenge.
• Accurate cost data is essential for effective resource allocation and national health budgeting for burn injuries.
• This study offers a critical economic perspective to guide policy and management in burn care within LMICs.