Reducing the costs of patient transfers.
This study examined the potential cost savings of a new patient transfer device that uses air pressure to assist in the movement of patients. The analysis for a single hospital indicates that this new technology is no less expensive than traditional patient transfer methods if only the direct costs of staff utilization are considered. However, reductions are projected for indirect costs associated with work-related back injuries. A methodology is recommended for conducting similar evaluations at other institutions.
D000399:Air Pressure; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019567:Back Injuries; D001513:Beds; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics*