No abstract

Objectives: Recent epidemiological and cost analyses show statistically significant associations between hypotension during ICU stay with death, acute kidney injury (AKI) and hospital costs at MAP levels below 65mmHg. This analysis estimates the associated cost savings per ICU patient that accrue to US hospitals as a result of improved hypotension control between MAP of 65 mmHg and 85 mmHg. Methods: In our economic analysis we estimated patient-level costs associated with hypotension reduction in septic ICU patients from the hospital perspective. The reduction in the probabilities of AKI and death were sourced from a prior EMR (Electronic Medical Records) analysis in which hypotension exposure was defined by timeweighted average mean arterial pressure (TWA-MAP). Our analysis focused on TWA-MAP levels between 65-85 mmHg. Cost savings for each of the separate outcomes in sepsis was estimated from the current published literature. All dollars were adjusted to reflect 2018 costs. Scenario analyses and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to test the robustness of the model. We also developed a second model as a robustness check. Results: For our main model, we ran two simulations (10,000 trials each). These models compared expected cost difference in A) 65 vs. 75 TWA-MPA mmHg and B) 75 vs. 85 TWA-MAP mmHg hypothetical patients. Cost savings were A

Triggered by the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, two types of surgical masks became available to health systems: disposable and reusable. The purpose of our study was to assess whether there is an economic and ecological difference in the application of reusable surgical masks versus disposable surgical masks. Methods: We developed a de novo model that took into account the characteristics of the Belgian hospital market: 52000 beds, 2 healthcare FTE per bed, and the ability to rely on a disposable surgical mask versus a reusable surgical mask that could be reused up to 35 times. We considered the following costs: product cost, medical waste, logistics, and washing. Results: From an ecological and supply chain point of view the implementation of reusable masks could result in a reduction of 92.000 Kilograms of medical waste and 90% less warehouse space required. From an economic point of view when the cost per disposable mask goes above 0.10 V per unit, material economic savings were identified. As from 0.15 V per unit of disposable masks, economic savings varied between 1.5 million and 10 million V per year. The critical factors that define the possible economic savings include: the base price of the reusable mask, the cost of washing, as well as the number of times that a mask could be reused. Conclusions: Health systems may benefit from the inclusion of reusable surgical masks versus disposable surgical masks. This benefit is fourfold. Gains could be achieved from an ecological, supply chain risk mitigation, warehousing optimization, as well as from an economic perspective.

0.87-1.07, p < 0.606). ConClusions: The needs of the developmentally disabled individuals are somewhat different than the needs of individuals without disabilities. Policy recommendations should focus on increasing the number of outpatient centers as well as primary caregivers who can understand the disease management needs of the patient and accordingly collaborate with other specialized health care professionals to enhance the overall quality of care for the patient.

while the rest similar to NICE guidelines. The median (IQR) WTP threshold was differentiated between oncology [V51,000 (V50,000-57,000)] and non-oncology studies [V34,000 (V30,000-V35,000); p-value,0.001]. In both type of studies, the median WTP thresholds were not statistically significantly different between GDP, NICE and NS methodologies. Conclusions: Aligned with other countries where there is no standard WTP threshold to promote efficient use of healthcare resources, the most prominent practice in Greece was found to be that of one-to-three times the GDP per capita irrespective of type of treatment or outcome studied.