Cost savings as an indicator of successful nursing intervention

The purpose of this study was to provide cost-related data from an intervention study in the care of patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). In a previously reported study, the study group patients increased exercise more than control patients, but there were no differences on any other health promoting behaviors or clinical outcomes. However, analysis of the differences between the study (N = 44) and the control patients (N = 42) on costs for health care during the course of the study demonstrated substantial differences. A fixed per diem rate was used to determine inpatient and outpatient costs. Study patients required significantly fewer PVD-related hospitalization and health care costs than control patients but not on vascular-related and nonvascular-related illnesses. Since there were no differences between the study and control on non-PVD illnesses, it appears that the intervention targeted to influence PVD problems did so. Limitations to the study are identified and additional research in this area is warranted.