Partial-Cost Analysis and Economic Impact of Ambulatory Coronary Angioplasty in a Private Hospital in the Caribbean: Análisis Parcial de Costos e Impacto Económico de la Angioplastia Coronaria Ambulatoria en un Hospital Privado del Caribe.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess direct costs of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without hospital admission versus PCI with hospital admission longer than 24 hours in a private hospital-institutional perspective in the Dominican Republic in 2022. METHODS: This study has a comparative approach based on a prospective cross-sectional partial-cost analysis. We evaluated the direct costs of 10 patients from PCI without hospital admission approach and 10 patients from a hospital admission longer than 24 hours as a control group. We used a "first-come-first-served" approach from December 2021 to March 2022. The analysis used the electronic invoice generated for each patient. RESULTS: PCI without hospital admission approach represents $472.56 in patient savings, equivalent to a cost reduction of 12.5%. The subcosts analysis showed the pharmacy section as the main driver of the overall cost difference. CONCLUSIONS: PCI without hospital admission was economically cost-saving compared with the control approach in direct costs in the Dominican perspective. The economic benefit is substantial and compliments the ease of use. This analysis may lead to improvements in institutional management of resources and can potentially be adapted to other health systems in the region.

The cost of stroke in private hospitals in Brazil: a one-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies from low- and middle-income countries have assessed stroke and cerebral reperfusion costs from the private sector. To measure the in-hospital costs of ischemic stroke (IS), with and without cerebral reperfusion, primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in two private hospitals in Joinville, Brazil. METHODS: Prospective disease-cost study. All medical and nonmedical costs for patients admitted with any stroke type or TIA were consecutively determined in 2016-17. All costs were adjusted to the gross domestic product deflator index and purchasing power parity. RESULTS: We included 173 patients. The median cost per patient was US$3,827 (IQR: 2,800-8,664) for the 131 IS patients; US$2,315 (IQR: 1,692-2,959) for the 27 TIA patients; US$16,442 (IQR: 5,108-33,355) for the 11 PIH patients and US$28,928 (IQR: 12,424-48,037) for the four SAH patients (p < 0.00001). For the six IS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, the median cost per patient was US$11,463 (IQR: 8,931-14,291), and for the four IS patients who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy, the median cost per patient was US$35,092 (IQR: 31,833-37,626; p < 0.0001). A direct correlation was found between cost and length of stay (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke is a costly disease. In the private sector, the costs of cerebral reperfusion for IS treatment were three-to-ten times higher than for usual treatments. Therefore, cost-effectiveness studies are urgently needed in low- and middle-income countries.

The cost of stroke in private hospitals in Brazil: a one-year prospective study / O custo do AVC em hospitais privados no Brasil: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Few studies from low- and middle-income countries have assessed stroke and cerebral reperfusion costs from the private sector. Objective To measure the in-hospital costs of ischemic stroke (IS), with and without cerebral reperfusion, primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in two private hospitals in Joinville, Brazil. Methods Prospective disease-cost study. All medical and nonmedical costs for patients admitted with any stroke type or TIA were consecutively determined in 2016-17. All costs were adjusted to the gross domestic product deflator index and purchasing power parity. Results We included 173 patients. The median cost per patient was US$3,827 (IQR: 2,800-8,664) for the 131 IS patients; US$2,315 (IQR: 1,692-2,959) for the 27 TIA patients; US$16,442 (IQR: 5,108-33,355) for the 11 PIH patients and US$28,928 (IQR: 12,424-48,037) for the four SAH patients (p < 0.00001). For the six IS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, the median cost per patient was US$11,463 (IQR: 8,931-14,291), and for the four IS patients who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy, the median cost per patient was US$35,092 (IQR: 31,833-37,626; p < 0.0001). A direct correlation was found between cost and length of stay (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). Conclusions Stroke is a costly disease. In the private sector, the costs of cerebral reperfusion for IS treatment were three-to-ten times higher than for usual treatments. Therefore, cost-effectiveness studies are urgently needed in low- and middle-income countries.

RESUMO Poucos estudos determinam o custo do AVC em países de baixa e média renda nos setores privados. Objetivos Mensurar o custo hospitalar do tratamento do(a): AVC isquêmico com e sem reperfusão cerebral, hemorragia intracerebral primária (HIP), hemorragia subaracnóidea e ataque isquêmico transitório (AIT) em hospitais privados de Joinville, Brasil. Métodos Estudo prospectivo de custo de doença. Os custos médicos e não médicos dos pacientes admitidos com qualquer tipo de AVC ou AIT foram consecutivamente verificados em 2016-17. Os valores foram ajustados ao índice do deflator do produto interno bruto e à paridade do poder de compra. Resultados Nós incluímos 173 pacientes. A mediana de custo por paciente foi de US$ 3.827 (IQR: 2.800-8.664) para os 131 pacientes com AVC isquêmico; US$ 2.315 (1.692-2.959) para os 27 pacientes com AIT; US$ 16.442 (5.108-33.355) para os 11 pacientes com HIP e US$ 28.928 (12.424-48.037) para os quatro pacientes com HSA (p < 0,00001). Para seis pacientes submetidos à trombólise intravenosa, a mediana do custo por paciente foi de US$ 11.463 (8.931-14.291) e, para quatro pacientes submetidos à trombectomia intra-arterial, a mediana de custo por paciente foi de US$ 35.092 (31.833-37.626; p < 0,0001). Uma correlação direta foi encontrada entre custo e tempo de permanência (r = 0,67, p < 0,001). Conclusão O AVC é uma doença cara. Em ambiente privado, os custos da reperfusão cerebral foram de três a dez vezes superiores aos tratamentos habituais do AVC isquêmico. Portanto, estudos de custo-efetividade são urgentemente necessários em países de baixa e média rendas.

Cost-effectiveness of posaconazole in private and public Brazilian hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Posaconazole is used for the prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease (IFD). Previous studies have shown it to be cost-effective compared to fluconazole/itraconazole. However, posaconazole has never been economically evaluated in developing countries. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of posaconazole compared to fluconazole in public (SUS) and private hospitals (PHS) in Brazil. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness simulation was conducted on the basis of a pivotal study on the use of posaconazole in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, adjusting the costs to Brazilian data. RESULTS: A pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed on a hypothetical sample of 100 patients in each drug group. The total cost of posaconazole use alone was USD$ 220,656.31, whereas that for fluconazole was USD$ 83,875.00. Our results showed that patients with IFD remain hospitalized for an additional 12 days, at an average cost of USD$ 850.85 per patient per day. The total money spent by PHS for 100 patients for 100 days was USD$ 342,318.00 for the posaconazole group and USD$ 302,039.00 for the fluconazole group. An analysis of sensitivity (10%) revealed no intergroup difference. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil posaconazole is cost-effective, and should be considered for the prophylaxis of patients with AMD/myelodysplasia (AML/MDS) undergoing chemotherapy.

Impact of the affordability of novel agents in patients with multiple myeloma: Real-world data of current clinical practice in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has become costly and difficult to access for patients living in low-income to middle-income countries. METHODS: The current retrospective study included 148 patients in Mexico with newly diagnosed MM, and was performed to compare the outcomes of patients with and without access to novel agents. The records of 77 patients admitted to a public hospital (PubC) and 71 patients cared for within private health systems (PrivC) from November 2007 to July 2016 were reviewed. RESULTS: Compared with those treated in PrivC, patients receiving care at PubC were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease. A thalidomide-based regimen was the most common induction treatment used at PubC, whereas a bortezomib-based regimen was used most often in PrivC. The median follow-up was 41 months. Patients in PrivC demonstrated better response rates and survival; 65% of patients treated in PrivC versus 41% treated at PubC achieved a very good partial response or better (P = .005). The median progression-free survival and median overall survival were 23 months and 51 months, respectively, for patients treated at PubC and 41 months and 79 months, respectively, for those treated in PrivC (P<.001). More patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation in PrivC. When adjustments were made for covariates, patients treated at PubC experienced a higher risk of death compared with patients receiving care in PrivC (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.3 [P = .04]). CONCLUSIONS: Stage at diagnosis, induction regimen, and autologous stem cell transplantation were found to be contributors to survival disparities between patients with MM treated at PubC compared with PrivC in Mexico. These findings underscore the need to improve access to novel agents and stem cell transplantation in public health systems. Cancer 2018;124:1946-53. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Brazil's Mixed Public and Private Hospital System.

Brazil's hospital sector is vibrant and growing. Under the 1988 Brazilian constitution all citizens have the right to health care, anticipating the global commitment to Universal Health Care. Brazil's public sector prides itself on having one of the world's largest single payer health care systems, but complementing that is a significant and larger private sector that is seeing big increase in investment, utilization and prices. This article outlines the structure of the hospital system and analyzes the nature and direction of private health sector expansion. Twenty-six percent of Brazilians have private health insurance and although coverage is concentrated in the urban areas of the Southeastern part of the country, it is growing across the nation. The disease burden shift to chronic diseases affects the nature of demand and the directly affects overall health care costs, which are rising rapidly outstripping national inflation by a factor of 3. Increasingly costs will have to be brought under control to maintain the viability of the private sector. Adaption of integrated care networks and strengthening of the public reimbursement system represent important areas for improvement.

Comparison of thromboprophylaxis patterns in arthroplasty in public and private hospitals / Comparação entre padrões de tromboprofilaxia na artroplastia em hospitais público e privado

Objective To compare therapy for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and costs related to hospitalization of patients undergoing total knee and hip replacement within the context of the Brazilian health system.Methods A retrospective study of patients undergoing arthroplasty in 2010 in a public hospital and two private hospitals in the state of São Paulo, conducted by means of medical record review. Costs were estimated based on the use of health care resources during hospitalization. A descriptive analysis was performed using frequency and mean (standard deviation) according to the type of care delivered (by public or private organization).Results A total of 215 patients were evaluated, and 56.3% were submitted to knee surgery and 43.7%, to hip replacement. Approximately 88% and 98% of patients from public and private health services, respectively, received some form of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and enoxaparin was the drug most widely used in both systems. The total cost of prophylaxis was R$ 1,873.01 (R$ 26.38 per patient) in the public service and R$ 21,559.73 (R$ 163.33 per patient) in the private service. For the individuals who presented with thromboembolism, the average cost of hospitalization was R$ 6,210.80 and R$ 43,792.59 per patient in public and private health services, respectively.Conclusion Thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing arthroplasty is most commonly used in the private health services than public organizations, despite its high costs in both services. The cost per patient with thrombosis during hospitalization was higher than the total cost of prophylaxis, suggesting that prevention is associated to better cost-benefit ratio.

Objetivo Comparar a terapia para profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso e os custos de pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho e de quadril dentro do sistema de saúde brasileiro.Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com pacientes submetidos à artroplastia no ano de 2010, em um hospital público e dois hospitais privados no Estado de São Paulo, por meio da revisão de prontuários. Os custos foram estimados com base na utilização de recursos em saúde durante a hospitalização. Análise descritiva de frequência e média (desvio padrão), de acordo com o tipo de atendimento em saúde (público ou privado).Resultados Um total de 215 pacientes foram avaliados, sendo 56,3% submetidos à cirurgia de joelho e 43,7% à cirurgia de quadril. Cerca de 88% e 98% dos pacientes provenientes do serviço público e privado de saúde, respectivamente, receberam algum tipo de profilaxia para tromboembolismo, sendo a enoxaparina o medicamento mais utilizado em ambos sistemas. O custo total da profilaxia foi de R$ 1.873,01 (R$ 26,38 por paciente) no serviço público e R$ 21.559,73 (R$ 163,33 por paciente) no serviço privado. Para os indivíduos com tromboembolismo, o custo médio da internação foi de R$ 6.210,80 e R$ 43.792,59 por paciente atendido nos serviços de saúde público e privado, respectivamente.Conclusão A profilaxia em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia é mais utilizada em pacientes do serviço de saúde privado do que público, apesar dos altos custos em ambos os serviços. Os pacientes com tromboembolismo tiveram um custo maior do que aqueles apenas com profilaxia, mostrando que a prevenção está associada a um maior custo-benefício.

Comparison of thromboprophylaxis patterns in arthroplasty in public and private hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapy for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and costs related to hospitalization of patients undergoing total knee and hip replacement within the context of the Brazilian health system. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing arthroplasty in 2010 in a public hospital and two private hospitals in the state of São Paulo, conducted by means of medical record review. Costs were estimated based on the use of health care resources during hospitalization. A descriptive analysis was performed using frequency and mean (standard deviation) according to the type of care delivered (by public or private organization). RESULTS: A total of 215 patients were evaluated, and 56.3% were submitted to knee surgery and 43.7%, to hip replacement. Approximately 88% and 98% of patients from public and private health services, respectively, received some form of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and enoxaparin was the drug most widely used in both systems. The total cost of prophylaxis was R$ 1,873.01 (R$ 26.38 per patient) in the public service and R$ 21,559.73 (R$ 163.33 per patient) in the private service. For the individuals who presented with thromboembolism, the average cost of hospitalization was R$ 6,210.80 and R$ 43,792.59 per patient in public and private health services, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing arthroplasty is most commonly used in the private health services than public organizations, despite its high costs in both services. The cost per patient with thrombosis during hospitalization was higher than the total cost of prophylaxis, suggesting that prevention is associated to better cost-benefit ratio.

The Struggle for Equity: An Examination of Surgical Services at Two NGO Hospitals in Rural Haiti.

BACKGROUND: Health systems must deliver care equitably in order to serve the poor. Both L'Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) and L'Hôpital Bon Sauveur (HBS) have longstanding commitments to provide equitable surgical care in rural Haiti. HAS charges fees that demonstrate a preference for the rural population near the hospital, with free care available for the poorest. HBS does not charge fees. The two hospitals are otherwise similar in surgical capacity and rural location. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed operative case-logs at both hospitals from June 1 to Aug 31, 2012. The records were compared by total number of operations, geographic distribution of patients and number of elective operations. Using geography as a proxy for poverty, we analyzed the equity achieved under the financial systems at both hospitals. RESULTS: Patients from the rural service area received 86% of operations at HAS compared to 38% at HBS (p < 0.001). Only 5% of all operations at HAS were performed on patients from outside the service area for elective conditions compared to 47% at HBS (p < 0.001). Within its rural service area, HAS performed fewer operations on patients from the most destitute areas compared to other locations (40.3 vs. 101.3 operations/100,000 population, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using fees as part of an equity strategy will likely disadvantage the poorest patients, while providing care without fees may encourage patients to travel from urban areas that contain other hospitals. Health systems striving to serve the poor should continually evaluate and seek to improve equity, even within systems that provide free care.

Does ownership matter? An overview of systematic reviews of the performance of private for-profit, private not-for-profit and public healthcare providers.

INTRODUCTION: Ownership of healthcare providers has been considered as one factor that might influence their health and healthcare related performance. The aim of this article was to provide an overview of what is known about the effects on economic, administrative and health related outcomes of different types of ownership of healthcare providers--namely public, private non-for-profit (PNFP) and private for-profit (PFP)--based on the findings of systematic reviews (SR). METHODS AND FINDINGS: An overview of systematic reviews was performed. Different databases were searched in order to select SRs according to an explicit comprehensive criterion. Included SRs were assessed to determine their methodological quality. Of the 5918 references reviewed, fifteen SR were included, but six of them were rated as having major limitations, so they weren't incorporated in the analyses. According to the nine analyzed SR, ownership does seem to have an effect on health and healthcare related outcomes. In the comparison of PFP and PNFP providers, significant differences in terms of mortality of patients and payments to facilities have been found, both being higher in PFP facilities. In terms of quality and economic indicators such as efficiency, there are no concluding results. When comparing PNFP and public providers, as well as for PFP and public providers, no clear differences were found. CONCLUSION: PFP providers seem to have worst results than their PNFP counterparts, but there are still important evidence gaps in the literature that needs to be covered, including the comparison between public and both PFP and PNFP providers. More research is needed in low and middle income countries to understand the impact on and development of healthcare delivery systems.

[Economic burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in critical care patients in hospitals in Bogotá]. / Impacto económico de la resistencia a la meticilina en pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus en hospitales de Bogotá

INTRODUCTION: Resistant infections, especially those involving the bloodstream, are associated with a greater use of resources. Their estimates are variable and depend on the methodology used. Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen isolated in blood in our hospitals. There is no consolidated data about economic implications of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cost of care of methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia in a reference population from nine hospitals in Bogotá. Materials y methods: A multicenter cohort study included 204 patients in a 1:1 ratio according to resistance. Direct medical costs were calculated from hospitalization bills, while the bacteremia period was calculated by applying microcosting based on standard fares. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between groups in demographic and clinical characteristics, except for resistance risk factors. Fifty-three percent of patients died during hospitalization. Hospital stay and total invoiced value during hospitalization were significantly higher in the group with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia. For this group, higher costs in ICU stay, antibiotics use, intravenous fluids, laboratory tests and respiratory support were recorded. A crude increase of 31% and an adjusted increase of 70% in care costs associated with methicillin resistance were registered. CONCLUSION: Our study supports decision makers in finding and funding infection prevention programs, especially those infections caused by resistant organisms.

Public private partnership in vascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the results of a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Health and a private hospital in a project of assistance and scientific research in the field of endovascular surgery. METHODS: The flows, costs and clinical outcomes of patients treated in a the public-private partnership between April 2012 and July 2013 were analyzed. All patients underwent surgery and stayed at least one day at the intensive care unit of the private hospital. They also participated in a research protocol to compare two intravenous contrast media used in endovascular surgery (iodinated contrast and carbon dioxide). RESULTS: A total of 62 endovascular procedures were performed in 57 patients from the public healthcare system. Hospital and endovascular supplies expenses were significantly higher as compared to the amount paid by the Unified Health System (SUS - Sistema Único de Saúde) in two out of three disease groups studied. Among outpatients, the average interval between appointment and surgery was 15 days and, in hospitalized patients 7 days. All procedures were successful with no conversion to open surgery. The new contrast medium studied - carbon dioxide - was effective and cheaper. CONCLUSION: The waiting time for patients between indication and accomplishment of surgery was significantly reduced. Public-private partnerships can speed up care of patients from public health services, and generate and improve scientific knowledge.

Costos directos de atención médica de accidentes de tránsito en Bogotá D. C / Direct costs involved in providing medical attention associated with traffic accidents in Bogotá

Objetivo Determinar los costos de atención médica generados por la accidentalidad vial en Bogotá. Metodología Estudio observacional prospectivo con datos de pacientes mayores de edad atendidos en la central de urgencias de 6 instituciones hospitalarias. Resultados El promedio del costo totalde atención por paciente fue de $1'112.000 El costo promedio día de paciente hospitalizado fue de $1'200.000. Pacientes con atención ambulatoria tuvieron un costo promedio de $247.400. El costo promedio por accidente se calculó en $2'333.700. Los costos médicos por accidentes en el periodo de análisis en Bogotá fueron aproximadamente $2.301'028.200. Cifras en pesos de 2011. Conclusiones Los costos de la atención médica de los accidentes de tránsito constituyen una carga económica considerable.

Objective To determine the cost of medical attention associated with traffic accidents in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods Prospective observational study with data from adult patients attended to in the emergency centers of 6 hospitals. Results Average total cost per patient was $1'112.000 COP. Average daily cost of hospitalized patients was $1'200.000 COP. Average cost of ambulatory treated patients ascended to $247.400 COP. Cost per accident calculated was $2'333.700 COP. In the whole city during study period, total medical costs were around $2.301'028.200 COP. All data was expressed in 2011 Colombian pesos. Conclusion The medical cost of transit accidents is a significant economic burden.

Public private partnership in vascular surgery / Parceria público-privada em cirurgia vascular

Objective To describe and analyze the results of a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Health and a private hospital in a project of assistance and scientific research in the field of endovascular surgery. Methods: The flows, costs and clinical outcomes of patients treated in a the public-private partnership between April 2012 and July 2013 were analyzed. All patients underwent surgery and stayed at least one day at the intensive care unit of the private hospital. They also participated in a research protocol to compare two intravenous contrast media used in endovascular surgery (iodinated contrast and carbon dioxide). Results A total of 62 endovascular procedures were performed in 57 patients from the public healthcare system. Hospital and endovascular supplies expenses were significantly higher as compared to the amount paid by the Unified Health System (SUS - Sistema Único de Saúde) in two out of three disease groups studied. Among outpatients, the average interval between appointment and surgery was 15 days and, in hospitalized patients 7 days. All procedures were successful with no conversion to open surgery. The new contrast medium studied - carbon dioxide – was effective and cheaper. Conclusion The waiting time for patients between indication and accomplishment of surgery was significantly reduced. Public-private partnerships can speed up care of patients from public health services, and generate and improve scientific knowledge. .

Objetivo Descrever e analisar os resultados de parceria público-privada entre o Ministério da Saúde e um hospital privado em projeto de assistência e pesquisa científica na área de cirurgia endovascular. Métodos: Foram analisados fluxos, custos e resultados clínicos dos pacientes atendidos numa parceria público-privada entre abril de 2012 e julho de 2013. Todos os pacientes foram operados, ficaram pelo menos um dia na unidade de terapia intensiva do hospital privado e participaram de um protocolo de pesquisa para comparação entre dois contrastes endovenosos para cirurgia endovascular (contraste iodado e dióxido de carbono). Resultados Foram realizados 62 procedimentos endovasculares em 57 pacientes provenientes do sistema público. Os gastos hospitalares e com material endovascular mostraram-se significativamente maiores em relação ao que é pago pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em dois dos três grupos de doenças estudados. Entre os pacientes ambulatoriais, o intervalo médio entre a consulta e a cirurgia foi de 15 dias e, nos internados, 7 dias. Todos os procedimentos foram bem sucedidos, sem conversão para cirurgia aberta. O novo contraste estudado, o dióxido de carbono, mostrou-se eficaz e mais barato. Conclusão O tempo de espera dos pacientes entre indicação cirúrgica e sua realização foi significativamente reduzido. Parcerias público-privadas podem trazer agilidade no atendimento dos pacientes do SUS, permitindo também geração de conhecimento científico. .

Impacto económico de la resistencia a la meticilina en pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus en hospitales de Bogotá / Economic burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in critical care patients in hospitals in Bogotá

Introducción. Las infecciones por microorganismos resistentes, especialmente las que involucran el torrente sanguíneo, se asocian a un mayor uso de recursos. Sus estimaciones son variables y dependen de la metodología utilizada. Staphylococcus aureus es el agente de sangre aislado con mayor frecuencia en nuestro medio. No existe información sobre el costo asociado con la atención de bacteriemias por S. aureus resistente a meticilina en nuestro país. Objetivo. Presentar una aproximación del costo de atención de las bacteriemias por S. aureus resistente a la meticilina en nueve hospitales de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron 204 pacientes en un estudio de cohortes multicéntrico en una razón de 1:1 según la resistencia. Se aproximaron los costos médicos directos con base en las facturas del período de hospitalización; en cuanto al período de la bacteriemia, los costos detallados se calcularon aplicando las tarifas estandarizadas. Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las características clínicas y demográficas de los grupos, salvo en los antecedentes de la bacteriemia. El 53 % de los sujetos falleció durante la hospitalización. La estancia y el valor total facturado por la hospitalización fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo con bacteriemia por S. aureus resistente a la meticilina, así como los costos de la estancia en cuidados intensivos, de los antibióticos, los líquidos parenterales, los exámenes de laboratorio y la terapia respiratoria. El incremento crudo del costo de la atención asociado con la resistencia a meticilina fue de 31 % y, el ajustado, de 70 %. Conclusión. Este estudio constituye un respaldo a los tomadores de decisiones para la búsqueda y la financiación de programas de prevención de infecciones causadas por microorganismos resistentes.

Introduction: Resistant infections, especially those involving the bloodstream, are associated with a greater use of resources. Their estimates are variable and depend on the methodology used. Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen isolated in blood in our hospitals. There is no consolidated data about economic implications of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection. Objective: To describe the cost of care of methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia in a reference population from nine hospitals in Bogotá. Materials y methods: A multicenter cohort study included 204 patients in a 1:1 ratio according to resistance. Direct medical costs were calculated from hospitalization bills, while the bacteremia period was calculated by applying microcosting based on standard fares. Results: We found no significant differences between groups in demographic and clinical characteristics, except for resistance risk factors. Fifty-three percent of patients died during hospitalization. Hospital stay and total invoiced value during hospitalization were significantly higher in the group with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia. For this group, higher costs in ICU stay, antibiotics use, intravenous fluids, laboratory tests and respiratory support were recorded. A crude increase of 31% and an adjusted increase of 70% in care costs associated with methicillin resistance were registered. Conclusion: Our study supports decision makers in finding and funding infection prevention programs, especially those infections caused by resistant organisms.

The impact of payment source and hospital type on rising cesarean section rates in Brazil, 1998 to 2008.

BACKGROUND: High cesarean section rates in Brazilian public hospitals and higher rates in private hospitals are well established. Less is known about the relationship between payment source and cesarean section rates within public and private hospitals. METHODS: We analyzed the 1998, 2003, and 2008 rounds of a nationally representative household survey (PNAD), which includes type of delivery, where it took place, and who paid for it. We construct cesarean section rates for various categories, and perform logistic regression to determine the relative importance of independent variables on cesarean section rates for all births and first births only. RESULTS: Brazilian cesarean section rates were 42 percent in 1998 and 53 percent in 2008. Women who delivered publicly funded births in either public or private hospitals had lower cesarean section rates than those who delivered privately financed deliveries in public or private hospitals. Multivariate models suggest that older age, higher education, and living outside the Northeast region all positively affect the odds of delivering by cesarean section; effects are attenuated by the payment source-hospital type variable for all women and even more so among first births. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean section rates have risen substantially in Brazil. It is important to distinguish payment source for the delivery to have a better understanding of those rates.

Scale and scope economies in Mexican private medical units.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate technical efficiency and potential presence of scale and scope economies in Mexican private medical units (PMU) that will improve management decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data envelopment analysis methods with inputs and outputs for 2 105 Mexican PMU published in 2010 by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía from the "Estadística de Unidades Médicas Privadas con Servicio de Hospitalización (PEC-6-20-A)" questionnaire. RESULTS: The application of the models used in the paper found that there is a marginal presence of economies of scale and scope in Mexican PMU. CONCLUSIONS: PMU in Mexico must focus to deliver their services on a diversified structure to achieve technical efficiency.

[Direct costs involved in providing medical attention associated with traffic accidents in Bogotá]. / Costos directos de atención médica de accidentes de tránsito en Bogotá D.C.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost of medical attention associated with traffic accidents in Bogotá, Colombia. METHODS: Prospective observational study with data from adult patients attended to in the emergency centers of 6 hospitals. RESULTS: Average total cost per patient was $1'112.000 COP. Average daily cost of hospitalized patients was $1'200.000 COP. Average cost of ambulatory treated patients ascended to $247.400 COP. Cost per accident calculated was $2'333.700 COP. In the whole city during study period, total medical costs were around $2.301'028.200 COP. All data was expressed in 2011 Colombian pesos. CONCLUSION: The medical cost of transit accidents is a significant economic burden.

The effect of physicians' remuneration system on the Caesarean section rate: the Uruguayan case.

Using data about births from the perinatal information system (PIS) registered in Montevideo (Uruguay), we estimated the probability of having a Caesarian section delivery, controlled by risk factors and the endogeneity of the choice of hospital. In public hospitals in Montevideo there is a fixed payment system, but in private hospitals this procedure has to be paid for separately. In the former, there is no effect on the doctor's income if he performs a Caesarian, but in the latter there is a positive effect. Empirical evidence shows the probability of a Caesarean section increases with the age of the woman, the presence of eclampsy, pre-eclampsy, previous hypertension, previous Caesarean sections, multiple pregnancies and fetopelvic disproportion, and decreases for multiparous women and women in a public hospital. In fact, the probability of having a Caesarean section in a private institution is almost two times higher than in a public hospital (20% as against 39%). Focusing on women without risk factors, we found that the probability a Caesarian in a public hospital was 11%, but the probability in a private hospital was 25%. We conclude that the remuneration system explains an important part of this difference.