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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Washington, DC- Hospitals that invest in pressure-redistribution foam mattresses in the emergency department could save money in the long run by reducing the burden of pressure ulcers among elderly patients. The study published online last week in Annals of Emergency Medicine calculates the average cost of the upgrades at 30 cents per patient (“Early Prevention of Pressure Ulcers Among Elderly Patients Admitted Through Emergency Departments: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis”).
“Hospitals could save $32 per patient by preventing pressure ulcers among the elderly,” said lead study author Ba’ Pham, MSc, PhD of The University of Toronto. “Most pressure ulcers are preventable, which is why they are considered a ‘never event’ by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS). Upgrading to better mattresses will not only save money, but it will prevent needless suffering among elderly patients.”
Researchers studied the cost-effectiveness of pressure-redistribution foam mattresses on emergency department stretchers and beds for early prevention of pressure ulcers in elderly admitted emergency department patients. They found that early prevention was 82 percent likely to be cost-effective.
Every year, approximately 6.2 million hospital admissions through emergency departments involve elderly patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Earlier studies have found that approximately 6 percent of patients admitted through the emergency department acquired pressure ulcers within 48 hours of admission. CMS will not reimburse hospitals for the cost of treating hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
“Early prevention is likely to improve health for elderly patients and save hospital costs,” said Dr. Pham. “Hospitals that make the initial investment can expect to recoup costs and improve the quality of life for their elderly patients.”
Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information visit www.acep.org.
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