Pressure ulcer dressings in critical patients: a cost analysis

Authors

  • Dinara Raquel Araújo Silva Universidade Federal do Piauí; Departamento de Enfermagem
  • Sandra Marina Gonçalves Bezerra Universidade Federal do Piauí; Departamento de Enfermagem
  • Jéssica Pereira Costa Universidade Federal do Piauí; Departamento de Enfermagem
  • Maria Helena Barros Araújo Luz Universidade Federal do Piauí; Departamento de Enfermagem
  • Vanessa Caminha Aguiar Lopes Universidade Federal do Piauí; Departamento de Enfermagem
  • Lidya Tolstenko Nogueira Universidade Federal do Piauí; Departamento de Enfermagem

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-220x2016014803231

Keywords:

Pressure Ulcer, Costs and Cost Analysis, Bandages, Nursing Care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To assess the direct cost of dressings in pressure ulcer treatment. METHOD This was a descriptive observational study conducted at an intensive care unit in the Northeast region of Brazil, between November and December 2015. Data were gathered using the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing and a form to characterize and assess costs. Values in Brazilian reais (BRL) were converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of USD 0.26/BRL. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS The sample consisted of 15 patients with at least stage 2 ulcers. There was a significant reduction in costs with dressing materials between the initial and final assessments (p=0.002), with a mean of USD 11.9 (±7.4). The most common topical treatments used were essential fatty acids and papain. CONCLUSION Cost reduction was proportional to the stage of pressure ulcer. The role of nurses in creating evidence-based care plans is crucial to improve care management.

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Published

2017-01-01

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

Pressure ulcer dressings in critical patients: a cost analysis. (2017). Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 51, e03231-. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-220x2016014803231