TY - JOUR
T1 - Economic assessment of pressure sore prevention using a computerized mattress system in patients with spinal cord injury
AU - Catz, Amiram
AU - Zifroni, Avi
AU - Philo, Ora
PY - 2005/11/1
Y1 - 2005/11/1
N2 - Purpose. To assess the economic profitability of a new computerized mattress system in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) by comparison with two other alternatives, as an example of the use of a quantitative approach for decision-making in choosing between alternatives for sore prevention. Method. The cost of achieving one day without signs of impending pressure sore was compared between the alternative options using cost minimization analysis. Savings in nursing costs for the three options were calculated for cost-benefit analysis. Results. A foam mattress system is significantly cheaper than the other examined alternatives, and if the nursing manpower cost is constant and the nursing staff is capable of performing sufficient repositionings, this system would achieve the desired medical outcome at a minimal cost. However, if the nursing staff cannot perform sufficient repositionings, or if the use of nursing manpower can be adjusted to the actual need, then it is the computerized mattress system that achieves the desired outcome at the minimal cost. In this case, less than 20 New Israeli Shekels (NIS) per day spent on the equipment save NIS 45 per day in labor costs. Conclusions. The economic evaluation indicates that the computerized mattress system is advisable for patients with SCI who require assistance for repositioning, but its profitability depends on the employment terms of the nursing manpower. In addition, other possible alternative pressure management systems should be examined, and additional research may be needed to determine the optimal combination of such systems for a spinal cord rehabilitation department.
AB - Purpose. To assess the economic profitability of a new computerized mattress system in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) by comparison with two other alternatives, as an example of the use of a quantitative approach for decision-making in choosing between alternatives for sore prevention. Method. The cost of achieving one day without signs of impending pressure sore was compared between the alternative options using cost minimization analysis. Savings in nursing costs for the three options were calculated for cost-benefit analysis. Results. A foam mattress system is significantly cheaper than the other examined alternatives, and if the nursing manpower cost is constant and the nursing staff is capable of performing sufficient repositionings, this system would achieve the desired medical outcome at a minimal cost. However, if the nursing staff cannot perform sufficient repositionings, or if the use of nursing manpower can be adjusted to the actual need, then it is the computerized mattress system that achieves the desired outcome at the minimal cost. In this case, less than 20 New Israeli Shekels (NIS) per day spent on the equipment save NIS 45 per day in labor costs. Conclusions. The economic evaluation indicates that the computerized mattress system is advisable for patients with SCI who require assistance for repositioning, but its profitability depends on the employment terms of the nursing manpower. In addition, other possible alternative pressure management systems should be examined, and additional research may be needed to determine the optimal combination of such systems for a spinal cord rehabilitation department.
KW - Computerized mattress
KW - Decubitus ulcers
KW - Matrix 200
KW - Medical technology assessment
KW - Pressure relief
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=29244484419&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/09638280500076384
DO - 10.1080/09638280500076384
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C2 - 16298934
AN - SCOPUS:29244484419
SN - 0963-8288
VL - 27
SP - 1315
EP - 1319
JO - Disability and Rehabilitation
JF - Disability and Rehabilitation
IS - 21
ER -