The economics of preventing and treating pressure ulcers: a pilot study

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Abstract
A pilot economic evaluation of a projected pressure ulcer prevention policy was carried out in a 252-bed geriatric unit in Glasgow. The aim was to set up a framework for evaluating and comparing the costs and benefits of current care and a potential prevention programme. Data were collated from prevalence and incidence studies. Prevalence results showed that 41% of the patient population suffered pressure damage to some extent and incidence data showed that 45% of these were potentially preventable. Evaluation of the costs and benefits shows that the prevention programme would be cost-effective. The cost would be between £17,606 and £28,669 but the benefits would range from £305,506 to £342,510. The authors conclude that economic appraisal is feasible.