Cost comparison of orthopaedic fracture pathways using discrete event simulation in a Glasgow hospital

Anderson, G. H., Jenkins, P. J., McDonald, D. A., Van Der Meer, R., Morton, A., Nugent, M. and Rymaszewski, L. A. (2017) Cost comparison of orthopaedic fracture pathways using discrete event simulation in a Glasgow hospital. BMJ Open, 7(9), e014509. (doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014509) (PMID:28882905) (PMCID:PMC5595193)

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Abstract

Objective: Healthcare faces the continual challenge of improving outcome while aiming to reduce cost. The aim of this study was to determine the micro cost differences of the Glasgow non-operative trauma virtual pathway in comparison to a traditional pathway. Design: Discrete event simulation was used to model and analyse cost and resource utilisation with an activity-based costing approach. Data for a full comparison before the process change was unavailable so we used a modelling approach, comparing a virtual fracture clinic (VFC) with a simulated traditional fracture clinic (TFC). Setting: The orthopaedic unit VFC pathway pioneered at Glasgow Royal Infirmary has attracted significant attention and interest and is the focus of this cost study. Outcome: measures Our study focused exclusively on patients with non-operative trauma attending emergency department or the minor injuries unit and the subsequent step in the patient pathway. Retrospective studies of patient outcomes as a result of the protocol introductions for specific injuries are presented in association with activity costs from the models. Results: Patients are satisfied with the new pathway, the information provided and the outcome of their injuries (Evidence Level IV). There was a 65% reduction in the number of first outpatient face-to-face (f2f) attendances in orthopaedics. In the VFC pathway, the resources required per day were significantly lower for all staff groups (p≤0.001). The overall cost per patient of the VFC pathway was £22.84 (95% CI 21.74 to 23.92) per patient compared with £36.81 (95% CI 35.65 to 37.97) for the TFC pathway. Conclusions: Our results give a clearer picture of the cost comparison of the virtual pathway over a wholly traditional f2f clinic system. The use of simulation-based stochastic costings in healthcare economic analysis has been limited to date, but this study provides evidence for adoption of this method as a basis for its application in other healthcare settings.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This study was funded by the Scottish Government Quality and Efficiency Support Team.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Rymaszewski, Mr Lech and Jenkins, Mr Paul
Authors: Anderson, G. H., Jenkins, P. J., McDonald, D. A., Van Der Meer, R., Morton, A., Nugent, M., and Rymaszewski, L. A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:BMJ Open
Publisher:BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:2044-6055
ISSN (Online):2044-6055
Published Online:07 September 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMJ Open 7(9): e014509
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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