Abstract
Background
This study aims to assess the financial impact of investments in combating hospital-acquired infections, particularly surgical site infections (SSIs) in orthopedic procedures.
Figure 1.
The infection prevention programs to prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)
Methods
A retrospective cohort study from January 2019 to September 2023 included patients undergoing knee arthroplasty (KA), hip arthroplasty (HA), and open fracture reduction (OFR), defining SSI according to CDC criteria. Costs per SSI patient were retrieved from literature sources: $13,539.50 for hospital costs (LUNA et al., 2022) and $7,523.77 for direct treatment costs, adjusted for inflation (STARLING et al., 2022).
Figure 2.
Chart of Year-to-Year Surgical Site Infection Rates, Stratified by Type of Orthopedic Surgery
Chart of Year-to-Year Surgical Site Infection Rates, Stratified by Type of Orthopedic Surgery
Results
During the baseline period, January 2019 to to December 2022, 4,258 patients underwent orthopedic surgeries: HA (11%), KA (9%), OFR (80%). Of these, 2,439 were female (57%), 1,819 male (43%), mean and median age 51 years, standard deviation 21 years. 68 patients died in-hospital (1.6%), 239 diagnosed with SSI (5.6%). Postoperative infection increased mortality risk over twofold: without infection (1.5% mortality risk), with infection (3.8% mortality risk), relative risk 2.5, p-value=0.014. SSI was associated with prolonged hospitalization; average length of stay doubled with infection (18.2 days) compared to without (9 days), p-value: 0.001. Comparing infection risks from 2019-2022 (5.6%) to 2023 (1.4%) post-investment in infection control demonstrated a risk reduction. Relative risk (0.25) p-value < 0.001.
Table 1.
Annual Comparative Analysis of Surgical Site Infection Rates by Orthopedic Surgery Type
Conclusion
SSIs in orthopedic surgeries pose dual risks, increasing readmissions and impairing hospital performance. Investing in SSI reduction enhances patient care, safety, and yields significant financial returns. This study underscores the ROI of infection prevention, especially targeting orthopedic surgical infections. Preventing SSIs can yield monthly savings of $25,781.49 to $46,393.48
Table 2.
Reduction in Costs, Hospital Stay Duration, and Prevented Deaths Associated with Surgical Site Infections after Orthopedic Surgeries
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures