Assessing the Cost-effectiveness of Pressure Injury Prevention Strategies in a Quasi-experimental Design.

OBJECTIVE

Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a significant challenge in healthcare, causing patient discomfort, prolonging hospital stays, and imposing substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems. Despite advancements in prevention strategies, determining the most cost-effective interventions remains paramount for healthcare providers and policymakers. The study authors aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of various PI prevention strategies within a quasi-experimental design framework.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study with 2 arms was conducted between September 2022 and February 2023 in a hospital in Saudi Arabia: the routine care for the PI group, group 1, and the PI prevention bundle group, group 2. Data on PI incidence, severity, and associated costs were collected to compare outcomes between group 1 and group 2.

RESULTS

A total of 368 patients were enrolled in the study: 218 patients in group 1 and 150 in group 2. Mortality was higher in the routine care group. The mean PI-free day in the prevention bundle group was 298.8 days compared with 19.7 days in the routine care group. Overall, the mean total cost for the bundle care group was ~$9600 lower than that of the routine care group.

CONCLUSIONS

This quasi-experimental study confirmed that PI prevention is cost-effective. Hospitals should invest in interdisciplinary teams and prevention bundles to improve patient outcomes and resource utilization.