The Financial Burden Associated With Conservatively Managed Epistaxis.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Economics
• Otolaryngology
• Public Health

Background:

• Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common reason for hospital admission in the UK, affecting approximately 25,000 patients annually.
• Conservative management of epistaxis represents a substantial, yet often underestimated, healthcare cost.
• Understanding the financial burden is crucial for resource allocation and healthcare policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the financial implications of conservatively managed epistaxis in UK hospitals.
• To determine the average cost of hospital bed stays for epistaxis patients.
• To analyze the impact of anticoagulant therapy on healthcare expenses associated with epistaxis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study was conducted using electronic health records from June 2022 to June 2023.
• Data from 126 patients admitted with epistaxis were analyzed, focusing on 119 cases managed conservatively.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SAS and Excel to assess costs, length of stay, and medication use.

Main Results:

• The average hospital stay for conservatively managed epistaxis was 2.92 days.
• The average cost per bed stay was £1,712.84.
• Patients on blood thinners incurred an additional £259.69 in healthcare costs compared to those not on these medications.

Conclusions:

• Conserving epistaxis cases represent a significant financial burden on National Health Service (NHS) hospitals.
• Healthcare providers and policymakers must acknowledge and address the economic impact of epistaxis.
• Investing in preventative strategies and patient education may reduce epistaxis incidence and associated healthcare costs.