Valuation of hospital bed-days released by infection control programs: a comparison of methods

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Oct;35(10):1294-7. doi: 10.1086/678063. Epub 2014 Sep 3.

Abstract

We performed a contingent valuation survey to elicit the opportunity cost of bed-days consumed by healthcare-associated infections in 11 European hospitals. The opportunity cost of a bed-day was significantly lower than the accounting cost; median values were €72 and €929, respectively (P < .001). Accounting methods overestimate the opportunity cost of bed-days.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bed Occupancy / economics*
  • Bed Occupancy / statistics & numerical data
  • Cost of Illness
  • Cross Infection / economics*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Data Collection
  • Diagnosis-Related Groups
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Hospital Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans