Related Experiment Videos
High cost nosocomial infections
Abstract:
The average charge per patient due to nosocomial infection for 215 nosocomial infections in 183 study patients was $693. These cost, however, were concentrated in very few patients; 5% of patients accounted for nearly one-third of total charges. The 10% of patients with highest nosocomial infection cost were patients on Medical or Surgical services; these services were utilized in 71% of patients with nosocomial infection and accounted for 86% of the attributable charges. Among the 22 most costly infections, 17 occurred in surgical wounds and lower respiratory tract. Although these sites accounted for 46% of the infections, they resulted in 77% of the total nosocomial infection charges. Patients with a primary diagnosis of injury had particularly costly infections. Combined analysis of these variables revealed two groups for whom nosocomial infections were especially costly: surgical patients who acquired wound infections after injuries, and medical patients with lower respiratory infections.
Insights
Nosocomial infections incur significant costs, with a few patients bearing a disproportionate financial burden. Surgical wound and lower respiratory tract infections are particularly expensive, especially in patients with injuries.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Economics
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Nosocomial infections represent a significant financial burden on healthcare systems.
- Understanding the cost drivers of these infections is crucial for resource allocation and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the average cost per patient of nosocomial infections.
- To identify patient groups and infection types associated with the highest costs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of charges associated with 215 nosocomial infections in 183 patients.
- Stratification of costs by patient service (Medical/Surgical), infection site, and primary diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The average charge per patient was $693, with costs concentrated in a small percentage of patients.
- Surgical and Medical services accounted for the majority of attributable charges.
- Surgical wound and lower respiratory tract infections were the most costly, particularly in patients with injuries.
Conclusions:
- Nosocomial infections impose a substantial financial impact, with a few high-cost cases driving overall expenses.
- Targeted interventions for surgical wound and lower respiratory tract infections in specific patient populations may yield significant cost savings.