Authors: Schmidek, Jared M.; Weeks, William B.

Source: Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, Volume 31, Number 12, December 2005 , pp. 690-699(10)

Publisher: Joint Commission Resources

Abstract:

Background: A framework was proposed for making a business case for patient safety interventions and to evaluate whether and how thoroughly financial aspects of investments and returns have been reported.

Methods: MEDLINE was searched from inception through January 21, 2005. Articles were selected if they reported on a patient safety intervention or a patient safety related outcome within the United States and indicated that a financial or economic analysis of the intervention was an objective.

Results: For 165 articles, a financial or economic analysis was indicated as an objective; 36.4% used original data, 28.5% used referenced data, and 35.2% provided no analysis. Only 13 articles (7.9%) included original data on start-up costs, 45 articles (27.3%) included original data on operating expenses and benefits, and 9 articles (5.5%) provided original financial data on outcomes. Of the 165 articles, 56.4% evaluated technological methods of improving patient safety, such as adoption of computer physician order entry, 20.6% evaluated changes in processes of care, such as staffing changes, and 23% involved other types of interventions or outcomes.

Discussion: Few articles provided complete information on the required investment and anticipated return on patient safety interventions. Use of standard financial techniques may strengthen the business case for patient safety interventions.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2005-12-01

More about this publication?

• Published monthly, The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to providing health professionals with the information they need to promote the quality and safety of health care. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety invites original manuscripts on the development, adaptation, and/or implementation of innovative thinking, strategies, and practices in improving quality and safety in health care. Case studies, program or project reports, reports of new methodologies or new applications of methodologies, research studies on the effectiveness of improvement interventions, and commentaries on issues and practices are all considered.
  
  Also known as Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement and Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Safety
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