Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : Background: Few recent data about extra cost associated with nosocomial bloodstream infections are available in Belgium and even in Europe. Aim: To determine the financial impact of nosocomial bacteraemia in one Belgian general hospital and to evaluate this impact over time. Methods: Laboratory test results were used to identify cases of nosocomial bacteraemia. Costs were evaluated with the hospital perspective. Findings: The incidence rate varies between 0.34% and 0.58% according to the year. Higher rates of bacteraemia were found in episodes related to circulatory, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems problems. The mean excess mortality was between 21 and 30%. The mean extra length of stay was between 21 and 32 days. Extra costs associated with nosocomial bacteraemia were between €17 711 and €24 510 per patient. Mean extra costs associated for medical procedures were between €3 492 and €5 033. For drugs, extra costs are between €3 446 and €6 367€, which is explained by the use of costly antibacterials. Except in 2006, each case induced a mean loss for the hospital, varying between €1 427 and €10 588€ per patient. For all cases, the total loss is €41 039.10 in 2003, €217 091.24 in 2004 and €376 808.50 in 2008. Conclusion: An extrapolation of those results in Europe and in Belgium should stimulate debate around the financial justification for supporting quality improvement efforts aimed at reducing hospital acquired complication rates.

Documents en relation

DI-fusion