Analyzing the Cost of Hospital Contact Isolation Practices: Implications for Nursing Administrator Practice, Research, and Policy

This study aimed to determine the weekly costs of contact precaution (CP) use with medically stable patients infected/colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to estimate the annual financial and environmental costs of CP. Background: The increasing use of disposables for infection control contributes to increasing hospital costs and amounts of solid waste at rates that are becoming unsustainable. Methods: A cost analysis was conducted using data from time/motion observations and previous waste audit study, along with hospital finance department values and US Department of Labor salary rates. Results: Weekly and annual costs were $521.67 and $557 463 (5% hospital multidrug-resistant organism [MDRO] rate assumed). Personal protective equipment accounted for 43% of the waste produced (approximately 1600 pounds annually).
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news