Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
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Objectives The aims of this study were to determine the costs of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) in one local health district in Australia and compare the costs and consequences of an intervention-based program with current practice to reduce HAPI incidence and prevalence. Methods A retrospective cost-consequence analysis was conducted using HAPI incidence rate per occupied bed days, point prevalence rates, Australian Refined-Diagnosis Related Group (AR-DRG) costs and the costs of the program to reduce the HAPI rate. Data were analysed for two phases: preprogram implementation (1 June 2015-1 June 2016) and postprogram implementation (1 August 2016-31 July 2017). ⋯ This paper reports the economic effect of HAPIs, including hospital episode costs per HAPI and length of stay, on one local health district. What are the implications for practitioners? This cost-consequence analysis has shown that the program to reduce HAPIs resulted in a reduction in expenditure and positive patient outcomes. Such a program is potentially transferable to other healthcare settings.