Recent research published in BMJ Quality and Safety concluded the Keystone ICU intervention for central line-associated bloodstream infections were among four of the most economically attractive strategies for improving patient safety.
For this study, researchers reviewed literature published from 2000 to November 2011 on Medline. Search terms included "costs and cost analysis," "cost-effectiveness," "cost" and "financial management, hospital." The researchers also utilized the Cochrane rules of evidence to ensure the quality of potentially relevant studies. Ultimately, researchers found the following interventions were most cost-effective:
1. Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation to prevent potential adverse drug events dominated was more cost-effective than a strategy of no reconciliation.
2. Chlorhexidine for catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention is more cost-effective than povidone-iodine for catheter site care.
3. The Keystone ICU initiative for central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention was more cost-effective than traditional care.
4. Standard surgical sponge counting was deemed more economical than no counting.
Researchers also concluded several strategies were less economically attractive, including bar-coded sponges and erythropoietin administration to reduce transfusion-related adverse events.
For this study, researchers reviewed literature published from 2000 to November 2011 on Medline. Search terms included "costs and cost analysis," "cost-effectiveness," "cost" and "financial management, hospital." The researchers also utilized the Cochrane rules of evidence to ensure the quality of potentially relevant studies. Ultimately, researchers found the following interventions were most cost-effective:
1. Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation to prevent potential adverse drug events dominated was more cost-effective than a strategy of no reconciliation.
2. Chlorhexidine for catheter-related bloodstream infection prevention is more cost-effective than povidone-iodine for catheter site care.
3. The Keystone ICU initiative for central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention was more cost-effective than traditional care.
4. Standard surgical sponge counting was deemed more economical than no counting.
Researchers also concluded several strategies were less economically attractive, including bar-coded sponges and erythropoietin administration to reduce transfusion-related adverse events.
Related Articles on Quality Improvement:
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's Laboratory Certification Suspended for 1 Year
Evaluating Your Anesthesia Services — How to Assess Your Anesthesia Team
FDA Announces Fewer Drug Shortages This Year Compared to Last