Impacto económico de la desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad en el hospital San Pedro de Alcántara. Estimación del ahorro asociado a una atención nutricional especializada de calidad

Abstract

Introduction and objectivesDRM is a highly prevalent condition in Spanish hospitals and is associated to increased healthcare costs. Costs associated to DRM were calculated using the methods of the PREDyCES study. The potential savings derived from specialized nutritional treatment were calculated by extrapolating the results of the SNAQ strategy. ResultsMedian cost per procedure in patients with DRM was €9,679.85, with a final cost of €28,700,775.2. The cost of each patient with DRM was 2.63 times higher than the cost of patients with no DRM. The potential cost saving associated to specialized nutritional treatment was estimated at €1,682,317.28 (5.86% of total cost associated to DRM). ConclusionsPatients with DRM showed a higher consumption of financial resources as compared to well–nourished patients. Specialized nutritional treatment is a potential cost-saving procedure.