[Costs attributed to hospital-acquired infections].
The literature on costs associated with hospital-acquired infections is critically evaluated and exemplified. There are considerable added costs attributed to hospital infections. Two types of analyses are discussed: cost-of-illness studies, COIs, typically without a societal cost perspective, and cost-effectiveness studies. It is a mistake to think that costs calculated in COIs can be used as estimates of potential savings in cost-effectiveness analyses. As a general rule, this is not the case. The calculation of unit costs and marginal costs are common weaknesses in most studies.
Pedersen
Kjeld Møller
KM
Syddansk Universitet, Institut for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Enhed for Sundhedsøkonomi, Odense C. kmp@sam.sdu.dk
Kolmos
Hans Jørn
HJ
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000191:economics*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans