title: Cost-related variables: a pilot study.
abstract: The advent of prospective payment systems prompts nurses to examine cost-related factors in demonstrating savings resulting from quality care. The clinical nurse specialist plays an active role in the examination of variables influencing costs for patients within the specialty. This pilot study utilized a retrospective chart audit of 142 women falling within Diagnostic-related Group 355 (non-radical hysterectomy, age less than 70 years, without comorbid condition or complication) during 1985 to identify demographic, illness/treatment-related, and discharge variables related to charge variance. Independent (length of stay, p less than 0.001 and previous admission, p = 0.066) predictors of charge variance were found among the 14 variables studied. The value of the research as a model for other practitioners is discussed.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Wolff
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: New
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Stelton
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000191:economics; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011445:Prospective Payment System / Q000191:economics; D012189:Retrospective Studies