Cost-Effectiveness of Pressure-Redistribution Mattresses for Early Prevention of Pressure Ulcers In Patients Admitted to Hospitals via the Emergency Departments

This project evaluates the cost-effectiveness of pressure- redistribution mattresses (PRMs) compared to standard mattresses (SMs) on emergency room stretchers and beds for the prevention of pressure ulcers (PrUs) in patients admitted to hospitals via emergency departments.

Approximately 1 in 6 emergency-admitted patients experienced H-A PrUs. PRMs reduced the prevalence of H-A PrUs by 2.2% on average, 47 patients need to be on PRMs to prevent one H-A PrU. The mean cost saving associated with PRMs was $74 per patient for the 258,000 targeted cases per year in Ontario. PRMs had a 68% chance of improving health while saving costs. The aggregate direct cost saving to hospitals'' budgets would be $17 million per year.

The use of PRMs for ER stretchers and beds reduces the incidence of PrUs, alleviates the associated morbidity, saves direct costs to hospitals, and has a modest preventive effect on a large volume of patients at perhaps one of the highest risk periods of their hospital experience.