Cost calculation and budgeting: the effect of a training session on the skills of medical directors and head nurses in European intensive care units

Abstract

Reports the results of a study aimed to assess the influence of cost calculation and budgeting training on the financial skills of medical professionals in European intensive care units (ICUs). Focuses on a test devised to measure cost calculation and budgeting skills of the medical directors and head nurses in 13 European countries. The test comprises two equivalent measurements. The training consists of an introduction to the main principles of cost calculation and budgeting. Emphasizes similarities with the profit sector. A set of guidelines on cost calculation and budgeting has been composed and tailored to the needs of ICU management. The results show that a rather introductory training of medical doctors and head nurses of ICUs dramatically improves their costing and budgeting skills. Therefore such a training should be a component in a comprehensive strategy to improve cost‐awareness in ICUs, eventually resulting in a more efficient use of ICU resources.