Cost-drivers of medical expenses in burn care management

Abstract

Background: Profound differences exist in the cost of burn care globally, thus we aim to investigate the affected factors and to delineate a strategy to improve the cost-effectiveness of burn management.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 66 patients suffering from acute burns was conducted from 2013 to 2015. The average age was 26.7 years old and TBSA was 42.1% (±25.9%). We compared the relationship between cost and clinical characteristics.

Results: The estimated cost of acute burn care with the following formula (10,000 TWD) = -19.80 + (2.67 × percentage of TBSA) + (124.29 × status of inhalation injury) + (147.63 × status of bacteremia) + (130.32 × status of respiratory tract infection).

Conclusion: The majority of the cost were associated with the use of antibiotics and burns care. Consequently, it is crucial to prevent nosocomial infection in order to promote healthcare quality and reduce in-hospital costs.

Keywords: Burn injury; Cost; Medical services; Policy.