Evaluating the post-discharge cost of healthcare-associated infection in NHS Scotland

BackgroundWhereas the cost burden of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) extends beyond inpatient stay into post-discharge period, few studies have focused on costs.AimTo investigate impact all types HAI magnitude and distribution costs observed in acute community services for patients who developed during their stay.MethodsUsing data from Evaluation Cost Nosocomial Infection (ECONI) study regression methods, this identifies marginal effect 90-daypost-discharge resource use costs. To calculate monetary values, unit were applied to estimates excess per case HAI.FindingsPost-discharge increase by 36%, with an annual national £10,832,437. The total extra patient was £1,457 (95% confidence interval: 1,004–4,244) 90 days post discharge. Patients had longer LOS if they readmitted prescribed more antibiotics community. results suggest that did not number readmissions or repeat surgeries within majority (95%) care after readmission. Bloodstream infection, gastrointestinal pneumonia biggest cost.ConclusionHAI increases antibiotic consumption period. Economic evaluations IPC should incorporate These findings can be used nationally internationally support decision-making interventions. Whereas stay. Using HAI. Post-discharge cost.