Pressure injuries are largely preventable within hospitals, and an adverse outcome of healthcare, but they affect millions of people. This study, published in Australian Health Review, sought to examine in detail the economic costs of pressure injuries. In 2012–13, treatment for pressure injuries in Australian public hospitals cost A$983 million. The severe cases (Stages III and IV) accounted for 12% of the cases and 30% of the total cost.
The authors concluded that there is an enormous economic waste for the Australian health system associated with this largely
avoidable injury. One way wastage can be reduced is by preventing moderate injuries from developing into severe cases.
Pressure injury in Australian public hospitals: a cost-of-illness study
Nguyen K-H, Chaboyer W, Whitty JA Australian Health Review. 2015 [epub]. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AH14088
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