The economics of preventing and treating pressure ulcers: a pilot study

Abstract

A pilot economic evaluation of a projected pressure ulcer prevention policy was carried out in a 252-bed geriatric unit in Glasgow. The aim was to set up a framework for evaluating and comparing the costs and benefits of current care and a potential prevention programme. Data were collated from prevalence and incidence studies. Prevalence results showed that 41% of the patient population suffered pressure damage to some extent and incidence data showed that 45% of these were potentially preventable. Evaluation of the costs and benefits shows that the prevention programme would be cost-effective. The cost would be between 17,606 Pounds and 28,669 Pounds but the benefits would range from 305,506 Pounds to 342,510 Pounds. The authors conclude that economic appraisal is feasible.

Organizational Culture, Team Climate, and Quality Management in an Important Patient Safety Issue: Nosocomial Pressure Ulcers

“…Patients remain longer in hospital than otherwise might be needed and often require intensive treatment. Studies show a wide range of prevalence rates from less than 5% (Lyder 2001) to over 40% (Thomson & Brooks 1999). The total cost of pressure ulcers have been estimated to be around £1.4–£2.1 billion (4% of total NHS expenditure) annually in the United Kingdom (Bennett et al 2004), around US$11 billion in 2006 in the United States (Russo et al 2008), and the most conservative estimate of a Dutch study was 1% of the total health care budget (Severens et al 2002).…”

The prevalence of pressure ulcers in four paediatric institutions

“…2004). It can be assumed that with sufficient prevention measures in England, up to £324,000 per hospital could be saved every year (Thomson & Brooks 1999).…”

“…In the UK the treatment costs for one pressure ulcer vary from £1064 (grade1) to £10,551 (grade 4) and total costs in the UK amount to £1AE4-2AE1 billion annually (Bennett et al 2004). It can be assumed that with sufficient prevention measures in England, up to £324,000 per hospital could be saved every year (Thomson & Brooks 1999).…”

Economic Evaluations of Guideline-Based or Strategic Interventions for the Prevention or Treatment of Chronic Wounds

“…A pilot study conducted by Thomson and Brooks [27] focused on a projected PU prevention policy in a 252-bed geriatric unit in Glasgow (Scotland) in which current care was compared with a PU prevention policy, although details of the new program were scant. Although no ICERs or INHBs were reported, calculations showed that cost savings of £7,717 would be achieved for every averted PU.…”