Volume 50 | Number 1 | February 2015

Abstract List

Ian M. McCarthy Ph.D., Chessie Robinson M.S., Sakib Huq, Martha Philastre M.S., M.B.A., Robert L. Fine M.D.


Objectives

To quantify the cost savings of palliative care () and identify differences in savings according to team structure, patient diagnosis, and timing of consult.


Data Sources

Hospital administrative records on all inpatient stays at five hospital campuses from January 2009 through June 2012.


Study Design

The analysis matched patients to non‐ patients (separately by discharge status) using propensity score methods. Weighted generalized linear model regressions of hospital costs were estimated for the matched groups.


Data Collection

Data were restricted to patients at least 18 years old with inpatient stays of between 7 and 30 days. Variables available included patient demographics, primary and secondary diagnoses, hospital costs incurred for the inpatient stay, and when/if the patient had a consult.


Principal Findings

We found overall cost savings from of $3,426 per patient for those dying in the hospital. No significant cost savings were found for patients discharged alive; however, significant cost savings for patients discharged alive could be achieved for certain diagnoses, team structures, or if consults occurred within 10 days of admission.


Conclusions

Appropriately selected and timed consults with physician and involvement can help ensure a financially viable program via cost savings to the hospital.