Detailed cost analysis of care for survivors of severe sepsis.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of our study were to accurately describe the costs and resources required to treat survivors of severe sepsis subsequent to hospital discharge and to determine what factors influenced these costs.


METHODS
Observational cohort study.


METHODS
Three regional intensive care units.


METHODS
Patients with severe sepsis admitted to one of three regional intensive care units in southern Alberta between April 1, 1996, and March 31, 1999.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Patients were identified using an intensive care unit research database; all survivors were followed prospectively for 3 yrs. Information on baseline patient characteristics, including acuity of illness (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores) and Charlson comorbidity scores, was collected. Costs considered included all episodes of inpatient and outpatient care and all physician claims. Of 787 patients who were admitted with severe sepsis, 502 survived to hospital discharge and were followed. Subsequent mean cost of care for years 1, 2, and 3 was CAN$20,855, $7,139 and $7,091, respectively. Using various regression models, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and the Charlson comorbidity score were the only factors that consistently predicted higher healthcare costs in the first year after hospital discharge. Diabetes was the comorbid condition that best predicted subsequent cost.


CONCLUSIONS
Cost of care for survivors of severe sepsis was highest in the first year after hospital discharge. Acuity of illness and patient comorbidity were the main determinants of cost. In assessing whether new therapeutic innovations for intensive care unit patients with severe sepsis are cost-effective, an accurate estimate of the cost of subsequent health care for survivors treated with and without the new intervention will be important.
Lee
Helen
H
Centre for Health and Policy Studies, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Doig
Christopher James
CJ
Ghali
William A
WA
Donaldson
Cam
C
Johnson
David
D
Manns
Braden
B
D018806:APACHE; D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000191:economics*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000416:Alberta; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D015897:Comorbidity; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000191:economics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000191:economics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000191:economics* / Q000401:mortality; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*