The attributable cost of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in the United States: A systematic review

Christopher S. Hollenbeak, Amber L. Schilling

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common healthcare-acquired condition. The attributable cost of CAUTIs is frequently cited to be approximately $1,000. However, there is a paucity of recent literature that confirms this estimate. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature that estimates the attributable cost of CAUTIs in the United States. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Pubmed. Studies conducted between the years 2000 and 2017, conducted at a facility within the United States, and that used novel patient-level cost data were included. Attributable cost estimates were adjusted for inflation to 2016 U.S. dollars using the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index. Results: Only 4 articles met our inclusion criteria. Adjusted to 2016 U.S. dollars, the attributable costs of a CAUTI as reported in these studies were: $876 (inpatient cost to the hospital for additional diagnostic tests and medications); $1,764 (inpatient cost to Medicare for non-intensive care unit [ICU] patients); $7,670 (inpatient and outpatient costs to Medicare); $8,398 (inpatient cost to the hospital for pediatric patients); and $10,197 (inpatient cost to Medicare for ICU patients). Conclusions: The cost of a CAUTI ranges widely depending on population, patient acuity, and cost perspective. Attributable costs likely exceed $1,000. Additional research is needed to assess the full economic effect of CAUTIs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)751-757
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of infection control
Volume46
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2018

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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