ABSTRACT
The study's purpose was to estimate the potential economic benefit of the optimization of postanesthesia care units (PACUs). A simulation model was designed and used to test the economic impact of a reduction of length of stay. For the studied PACU, a reduction of 25% of length of stay is required to yield significant economic results.
Subject(s)
Length of Stay/economics , Postoperative Care/economics , Recovery Room/statistics & numerical data , Budgets , France , Health Expenditures , Hospital Costs , Humans , Recovery Room/economicsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the direct cost of a stay in a postanaesthesia care unit (PACU). STUDY DESIGN: Standard cost study based on information gathered from staff and suppliers in accordance with government regulations and recommendations. Results reviewed by a group of anaesthesists. TYPE OF PACU: PACU working in ideal conditions with optimal safety conditions for and accommodation surgical patients). METHOD: Estimation of three cost components: 1) depreciation and maintenance costs of equipment, 2) physician and other staff wages, and 3) variable costs such as drugs and disposable devices. We computed an annual budget for three PACU which was defined according to size (4, 8 or 12 beds) and working hours. RESULTS: Fixed annual costs (staff and equipment) were 1,134,938 FF for a 4 bed room: 3,820,339 FF for an 8 bed room: and 6,481,792 FF for a 12 bed room. Variable costs per stay were 75,43 FF. The cost of a stay in an 8 bed PACU based on a rate of 3,500 stays per year therefore was 1,167 FF (87.0% for staff, 6.6% for equipment, 6.4% for variable costs).
