Cost-effectiveness of the follow-up of patients with bacterial meningoencephalities at the Arnaldo Milian Castro Provincial University Hospital (2003-2007)

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional investigation on Systems and Health Services presenting a complete economic assessment of cost-effectiveness type was carried out at the Arnaldo Milian Castro Provincial University Hospital with the aim of determining the cost-effectiveness relationship of two follow-up models of bacterial meningoencephalitis; the information was taken from the review of the medical histories and the data from the Hospital Epidemiology Department and the Accounting Department. The universe was formed by all the patients who needed a follow-up, both empirical (215) and specific (35) from 2003 to 2007. Absolute frequencies, percentages, central tendency measurement (arithmetic mean) and dispersion measurement (standard deviation) were used as summary measurements. Besides, statistical results were calculated in relation with the nature of the variable (Fisher's Test). It was determined that the average cost of a specific follow-up by medications was $855.05, the cost per stay was $1567.7 and the total cost was $2422.7. All this costs were higher than the alternative of empirical follow-up, in which the mean cost per medication was $589.20, the cost per stay was $1192.28 and the total cost was $1778.74. Additionally, the empirical follow-up showed a higher effectiveness concerning the evolution of the patients, existing significant differences. It is concluded that the optimal option is the empirical follow-up alternative because it is less expensive and more effective.