Work

The Economic Cost of Nursing Care of Palliative Patients in the Emergency Department

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: (1) Background: The economic cost of nursing care to palliative patients in avoidable hospital admission is unknown. (2) Methods: An observational, retrospective, and analytical study was used encompassing the economic cost of nursing care in a general hospital emergency department that uses descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. (3) Results: We have a sample of 273 palliative patients in preventable hospital admissions (76.3%, CI 95%: 71.7-80.8), deceased, in 2019. With a median of 84 years, about 80% were admitted home after 5 h of complaints, mainly due to respiratory symptoms. Patients remained for approximately 24 h in the emergency department, totaling a median of EUR 180.98 in nursing care costs per admission. (4) Conclusions: It was evident that with the knowledge obtained about palliative economic nursing costs, we could increase results, manage resources, and consolidate PC integration in health systems, as this study proved. This study was not registered.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13040421

Authors: Tânia dos Santos Afonso, Manuel Luís Capelas, Lurdes Martins

Institution: Universidade Católica Portuguesa

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258