The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has invested in increasing the knowledge, understanding and implementation of strategies to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections since the 1960s — and this investment has paid off, according to a new study in Health Affairs.
Researchers examined the benefits and costs associated with federal investments in CLABSI prevention programs using the cost perspective of the federal government as a third-party payer between 1990 and 2008. They used a benefit-cost analysis to estimate net benefits and return on investment resulting from CLABSI prevention programs for Medicare and Medicaid patients in critical care units, in comparison with making no investment.
In the 18 year period, between 40,556 and 75,067 CLABSIs were prevented in Medicare and Medicaid patients in critical care units. Total spend from the CDC and hospitals was between $77 million and $164 million. Net benefits ranged from $640 million to $1.8 billion, and the per dollar rate of return on the CDC's investments ranged from $3.88 to $23.85.
"These findings suggest that investments in CDC programs targeting other healthcare-associated infections also have the potential to produce savings by lowering Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements," the researchers concluded.
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