Differences in cost consciousness between physicians and nurses in German neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

Neonatology is a medical speciality where the tension between economics and the benefit of patients is extremely high. We found a moderate level of cost consciousness among NICU physicians and nurses.

Highlights in this issue

“…Schmitz et al. assessed cost consciousness among nurses and physicians in 84 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Germany and found that there was a moderate level of cost awareness among the group. They reported that increased cost consciousness was more likely to be found in male healthcare workers and physicians.…”

Cost-consciousness among Chinese medical staff: a cross-sectional survey

“…Cost-consciousness has been defined as “the amount of attention paid to cost and an individual’s perceived responsibility to keep cost under control “ [ 12 ]. Generally, doctors play a crucial role in medical resource distribution and cost containment.…”

“…Doctors are involved in approximately 80% of the healthcare expenditure decisions [ 13 ]. Most doctors also regard cost-containment as their responsibility [ 11 , 12 ]. These decisions regarding medical tests and treatments can be influenced by personal characteristics [ 14 ], education [ 15 ], work context [ 12 ], and tolerance for uncertainty [ 11 , 16 ].…”

“…Most doctors also regard cost-containment as their responsibility [ 11 , 12 ]. These decisions regarding medical tests and treatments can be influenced by personal characteristics [ 14 ], education [ 15 ], work context [ 12 ], and tolerance for uncertainty [ 11 , 16 ]. In addition, nurses’ cost-consciousness should also not be overlooked.…”

“…The economic awareness of nurses is also one of the major cost drivers of clinical care [ 8 , 17 ]. Nursing care, such as added consumables, is also important for daily routine costs [ 12 ]. Except for health cost expenditure, greater cost-consciousness was associated with fewer low-value clinical services [ 18 ].…”