Factors Affecting Cost Of Patient Care In Intensive Care Unit

Aim: This study had been planned to detect the factors affecting the cost of care in intensive care units. Methods :Between 01 August 2002 and 01 August 2003 patient who stayed more than 48 hours in the intensive care units were followed. Results :The median value of cost was (3668 $). Cost was considered to be ‘increased’ if it was more than 3668 $. In multivariate analysis factors associated with risk of increased cost were hospital acquired infections (OR 4.2621 95% confidence interval 1.688-10.735 p = 0.002), being admitted for post opertive care(OR 2.746 95% confidence interval 1.086-6.947 p=0.033) increased length of stay (OR 3.807 95% confidence interval 1.510-9.597 p= 0.005). The invasive interventions ,severity of ilness scores (SAPS II and APACHE II) and age (>65) were not detected to be independent risk factors for increased cost. Conclusion : Infections, admission for post operative care and increased length of stay were found to be associated with increased cost inpatients followed in intensive care units.