'New research report estimates the cost of preventable patient safety incidents is $397 million'
EDMONTON, July 9, 2012 /CNW/ - In the release of the paper "The
Economics of Patient Safety in Acute Care", researchers have calculated
an estimated economic burden of preventable patient safety incidents in
acute care in Canada for 2009 - 2010 to be $396,633,936 ($397
million). This estimate is only a small portion of the estimated
entire cost of harmful incidents, and it does not include the indirect
costs of care after hospital discharge, or societal costs of illness
such as loss of functional status or occupational productivity.
Lead researchers, Dr. Edward Etchells, Associate Director of the
University of Toronto Centre for Patient Safety, and co-Principal
Investigator Dr. Nicole Mittmann of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,
conducted a comprehensive literature review on the economic burden of
patient safety incidents in the acute care setting, comparing patient
safety improvement strategies, and estimating the economic burden of
patient safety incidents.
Commissioned by the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), the
research confirms the importance of patient safety improvement
strategies in saving money for the healthcare system. Four key
strategies are outlined and considered economically attractive
according to a limited number of cost-effectiveness studies found in
the literature: pharmacist-led medication reconciliation, chlorhexidine
for vascular catheter site care, standard counting strategy for
detecting surgical foreign bodies, and the Keystone ICU patient safety
program to prevent central line-associated blood stream infections.
Findings from this national report indicate that although further
research in the area of economics of patient safety is still needed, it
is clear that a focus on patient safety can lead to significant cost
savings. Etchells and Mittmann developed framework and guidelines,
based on the Drummond checklist, for future economic evaluations and
research in the area of patient safety. Continued research, education,
and knowledge in patient safety will not only help save thousands of
lives, but as well, millions of dollars. "Economics in patient safety
is just one area of research that CPSI has been involved with." says
Hugh MacLeod, CEO, CPSI. "We've also partnered with research in the
areas of mental health, primary care, EMS, and long term care. These
research findings provide opportunity to advance the patient safety
agenda."
About Canadian Patient Safety Institute
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is a not-for-profit
organization that exists to raise awareness and facilitate
implementation of ideas and best practices to achieve a transformation
in patient safety. Funded by Health Canada, CPSI reflects the desire
to close the gap between the healthcare we have and the healthcare we
deserve.
To access the Economics of Patient Safety in Acute Care Report, visit www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca
