Application of cost-effectiveness methodology to the consideration of needlestick-prevention technology.
Data from the study of needlestick-prevention devices in 10 New York State hospitals enabled application of cost-effectiveness analysis techniques for determining relative benefits of various safety interventions. This article introduces to infection control practitioners several economic concepts related to cost-effectiveness methodology and provides two examples of how they may be applied for decision-making purposes. A critical aspect of the analysis described is the determination of a base cost of needlestick injury. By applying decision analysis to experience-based data aggregated from participating institutions, base expected cost of needlestick injury was determined to be $363.
Laufer
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FN
Bureau of Health Economics, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12237.
Chiarello
L A
LA
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006783:Hospitals, State / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009518:New York; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012308:Risk Management / Q000191:economics; D014942:Workers' Compensation