Cost of hospital care for elderly at risk of falling

▶ Using Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) data captured in an electronic documentation system, the authors analyzed the effects of staffing, treatment, pharmacy, and nursing intervention on overall cost. ▶ While higher nurse-to-patient ratios were expected to increase cost s, staffing at levels below average resulted in higher cost as well. ▶ For each 20% decline in staffing below average, the median cost of care increased by over $1,178. ▶ On average, each additional recorded nursing intervention added $162; however, when examined individually, some interventions decreased costs. ▶ Discharge planning, fall prevention, pressure ulcer care, teaching, health screening, vital signs monitoring, and medication management were associated with less cost if done more often. ▶ With better information about the drivers of cost and outcome, more careful choices can be made in managing costs driven by medical, pharmacy, and nursing interventions.