The cost in different subgroups of critically ill patients: a multicentric study in Czech Republic

Introduction

Intensive care units account for a large proportion of hospital expenditures. The aim of the study was to evaluate different subgroups of patients for clinical outcome and cost of care.

Methods

1368 patients were prospectively studied. Demographic data, APACHE II and SOFA score, diagnostic group (TR = trauma, TBI = traumatic brain injury, COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, CPR = cardiac arrest, ARDS = acute respiratory distress syndrome, INTOX = intoxication), length of ICU stay (LOS), clinical outcome and cost of care in CZK were recorded. Relationship among between cost, diagnostic groups and severity score were evaluated. Data as mean (SD), median (25-75%), t-test, Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test, z-test, ANOVA, linear regression (SigmaStat Statistical Software) were used, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Selected results are presented. The longest LOS and most expensive care were observed in ARDS patients. The independent variable of cost is LOS (r = 0.679, P < 0.001).

Discussion

There were significant differences among selected groups of patients concerning clinical outcome, LOS and cost of care. Obtained data may be of importance in ICU budgeting and in comparing different intensive care units.

Supported by IGA MZ CR 4530-3.

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