Routine Preoperative Laboratory Testing: Economic Burden on Pre-Surgical Patients

Abstract

Background: Routine pre-operative test, results in significant cost to the hospital and expense for the patient. The cost of a single laboratory test may be negligible but too many tests have increased cost for many national health schemes. Most of these patients cannot afford this extra cost thereby delaying surgery and adding up to emergencies. Implementation of change is necessary to reduce economic burden on the patient and enhance patient care. The aim of this study was to determine the economic burden of preoperative laboratory tests on pre-surgical patients in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital with a view to making appropriate recommendations that will reduce costs for the patients. Methodology: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of patients undergoing elective surgery at K.A.T.H from 1st to 31st March 2014. A quantitative technique was used to effectively quantify laboratory results that were contained in a patient’s folder before an elective surgical procedure. Close and open ended questionnaire was developed and answered by reviewing patient’s folders during the pre-anaesthesia assessment. Cost of various laboratory investigations was obtained on request from one private laboratory and the KATH main laboratory. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SSPS) version 22 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The total cost of preoperative laboratory investigations in the study population was GHC 15, 321.19 (GHC 92.85 per individual); and for tests that were not indicated, GHC 3, 266.83 (GHC19.80 per individual). Conclusion: Routine preoperative laboratory tests ordered by Surgeons in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital impose an economic burden on the patients. The development of a comprehensive guideline that will help in the ordering of preoperative laboratory investigation will reduce costs for the patients.