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Costing services: comparing three i.v. medication systems
Abstract:
Three methods of intermittent intravenous (IV) medication delivery were studied for evidence of cost effectiveness. Eighty-five patients receiving antibiotics on two general medicine units were examined over an eight-week period. Chi square analysis revealed no significant differences in the number of IV complications among the three delivery systems. ANOVA revealed no significant differences among the three systems. A cost savings of $99.70 per patient using the Bard system and $98.60 using the BD system was realized. Thirty-six (88%) of the nurses preferred a syringe pump system, 10 patients showed no strong preference for any of the methods, and the two pharmacists preferred a syringe delivery system.
Insights
Intermittent intravenous medication delivery systems were evaluated for cost-effectiveness. Syringe pump systems demonstrated significant cost savings for patients receiving antibiotics, with high nurse preference.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Practice
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Intermittent intravenous (IV) medication delivery is common in general medicine.
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness and nurse preference of different IV delivery systems is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cost-effectiveness of three intermittent IV medication delivery systems.
- To assess the incidence of IV complications associated with each system.
- To determine healthcare professional and patient preferences for the delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 85 patients receiving antibiotics over eight weeks.
- Chi-square analysis and ANOVA were used to compare IV complication rates and system performance.
- Cost savings were calculated for each system, and preferences were surveyed among nurses, patients, and pharmacists.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in IV complications were found among the three delivery systems.
- Significant cost savings were observed: $99.70 per patient with the Bard system and $98.60 per patient with the BD system.
- A strong preference (88%) for syringe pump systems was reported by nurses, with pharmacists also favoring syringe delivery.
Conclusions:
- Syringe pump systems offer a cost-effective alternative for intermittent IV antibiotic delivery.
- Despite no significant difference in complications, syringe pumps are preferred by nursing staff, suggesting potential benefits in usability and efficiency.