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Analyzing the Cost of Hospital Contact Isolation Practices: Implications for Nursing Administrator Practice,
Deborah A Saber1, Anne E Norris, Jeff Reinking
1Author Affiliations: Associate Professor (Dr Saber), School of Nursing, University of Maine, Faculty Associate (Dr Saber), Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine, Orono, Maine; Director for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (Dr Saber), Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, Maine; Professor Emeritus (Dr Norris), School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; Assistant School Director and Senior Lecturer (Dr Reinking), Professor and C.G. Avery Chair (Dr Trompeter), Dixon School of Accounting, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida; and Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services (Ms Sanford), Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, Maine.
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine the weekly costs of contact precaution (CP) use with medically stable patients infected/colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to estimate the annual financial and environmental costs of CP.
Background:
The increasing use of disposables for infection control contributes to increasing hospital costs and amounts of solid waste at rates that are becoming unsustainable.
Methods:
A cost analysis was conducted using data from time/motion observations and previous waste audit study, along with hospital finance department values and US Department of Labor salary rates.
Results:
Weekly and annual costs were $521.67 and $557 463 (5% hospital multidrug-resistant organism [MDRO] rate assumed). Personal protective equipment accounted for 43% of the waste produced (approximately 1600 pounds annually).
Conclusions:
Implications for nurse administrators include reevaluating activities that require personal protective equipment (PPE) and partnering with materials and human factor engineers to develop more financially and environmentally sustainable infection control practices.
Insights
Contact precaution (CP) use for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) patients costs $521.67 weekly and generates significant waste. Sustainable infection control practices are needed to reduce financial and environmental burdens.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Infection Control
- Environmental Sustainability
Background:
- Rising use of disposable supplies in infection control is unsustainable.
- Increasing hospital costs and solid waste generation are significant concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the weekly costs associated with contact precaution (CP) use.
- Estimate the annual financial and environmental costs of CP for MRSA patients.
Main Methods:
- Cost analysis utilizing time/motion observations.
- Incorporation of waste audit data and hospital financial records.
- Inclusion of US Department of Labor salary rates for accurate costing.
Main Results:
- Weekly CP costs estimated at $521.67.
- Annual costs projected at $557,463, assuming a 5% hospital multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) rate.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) constitutes 43% of waste, approximately 1600 pounds annually.
Conclusions:
- Nurse administrators should re-evaluate PPE-intensive activities.
- Collaboration with engineers is recommended for developing sustainable infection control strategies.
- Findings highlight the need for financially and environmentally conscious infection control practices.
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