Do we know the cost of orthopaedic care?

Kunal Kulkarni and Sophie Shepherd

International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 2019, vol. 34, issue 1, 71-86

Abstract: Introduction The increasingly complex care needs of an expanding and ageing population leave a growing dichotomy between demand and supply. With sustainable cost‐efficiency gains paramount, this study explored awareness of trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) care costs among patients and health care providers, alongside the impact of greater cost awareness on care quality, experience, and equality. Materials and methods Surveys were distributed over a 2‐week period, at a single site, to in/outpatients and health care professionals allied to T&O. They evaluated (1) awareness of the costs of several common aspects of T&O care and (2) opinions on improved cost education. Results Most professionals and patients had limited and markedly variable awareness of costs. Expensive items (>£200) were commonly underestimated, and cheap items (≤£200) were overestimated. The majority reported greater cost awareness might influence their approach to care decisions. Discussion Cost ignorance restricts cost‐efficiency and provision of equitable care. Given the widespread lack of cost education, there is unsurprisingly a lack of cost awareness among patients and professionals alike. Cost savings through “reduced waste” were a commonly highlighted potential benefit of greater cost awareness. Patients and professionals alike must become increasingly accountable for ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.

Date: 2019
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