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| Authors | M Zarb Adami A Serracino Inglott L M Azzopardi E Camilleri |
| Abstract | Introduction: Cost-effectiveness of methods adopted for treating and preventing the occurrence of pressure sores is considered within institutions. Aim: To determine costs incurred in preventing and treating pressure ulcers at two geriatric institutions namely St Vincent de Paule (SVPR) and Zammit Clapp Hospital (ZCH). Method: Cost-minimisation analysis for 50 sores (25 sores in each setting) over an 8-week period was carried out. A wound dressing chart was developed to evaluate management of pressure sores and to assess wound volume, treatment costs, prevention costs, and pressure sore incidence. Results: Pressure sore incidence: 6.2% for ZCH and 7.2% for SVPR, prevention costs: 1.8 Euro/patient/day for ZCH and 0.37 Euro/patient/day for SVPR. Treatment costs for fifty sores: 6538 Euro for ZCH and 5695 Euro for SVPR. Of these amounts, 64% at ZCH and 79% at SVPR were due to dressings while the remaining costs were due to nursing time. In both institutions the most common pressure ulcer site was the sacrum. Total pressure sore volume reduction: 69 cc for ZCH and 19 cc for SVPR. Costs of treatment/cc: 1.90 Euro at ZCH and 6 Euro at SVPR. Conclusion: Dressing costs at SVPR are higher than those at ZCH whereas nursing time is lower at SVPR when compared to ZCH. This results in lower treatment costs at SVPR. et, pressure sore treatment at ZCH was more costeffective than at SVPR because total pressure sore volume reduction was three times higher at ZCH. The costs of treatment/cc is lower for ZCH. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | long term residence, pharmacy, pressure sores, wound management, cost effectiveness |