Opportunities For Cost Savings Research Articles

Improvements in technology and the expanding role of time-driven, activity-based costing to increase value in healthcare provider organizations: a literature review

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the influence of technology on accurately measuring costs using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) in healthcare provider organizations by identifying the most recent scientific evidence of how it contributed to increasing the value of surgical care.MethodsThis is a literature-based analysis that mainly used two data sources: first, the most recent systematic reviews that specifically evaluated TDABC studies in the surgical field and, second, all articles that mentioned the use of CareMeasurement (CM) software to implement TDABC, which started to be published after the publication of the systematic review. The articles from the systematic review were grouped as manually performed TDABC, while those using CM were grouped as technology-based studies of TDABC implementations. The analyses focused on evaluating the impact of using technology to apply TDABC. A general description was followed by three levels of information extraction: the number of cases included, the number of articles published per year, and the contributions of TDABC to achieve cost savings and other improvements.ResultsFourteen studies using real-world patient-level data to evaluate costs comprised the manual group of studies. Thirteen studies that reported the use of CM comprised the technology-based group of articles. In the manual studies, the average number of cases included per study was 160, while in the technology-based studies, the average number of cases included was 4,767. Technology-based studies, on average, have a more comprehensive impact than manual ones in providing accurate cost information from larger samples.ConclusionTDABC studies supported by technologies such as CM register more cases, identify cost-saving opportunities, and are frequently used to support reimbursement strategies based on value. The findings suggest that using TDABC with the support of technology can increase healthcare value.

Socio-environmental Opportunities for Organic Material Management in California's Sustainability Transition.

Contemporary resource management is doubly burdened by high rates of organic material disposal in landfills, generating potent greenhouse gases (GHG), and globally degraded soils, which threaten future food security. Expansion of composting can provide a resilient alternative, by avoiding landfill GHG emissions, returning valuable nutrients to the soil to ensure continued agricultural production, and sequestering carbon while supporting local communities. Recognizing this opportunity, California has set ambitious organics diversion targets in the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Law (SB1383) which will require significant increases (5 to 8 million tonnes per year) in organic material processing capacity. This paper develops a spatial optimization model to consider how to handle this flow of additional material while achieving myriad social and ecological benefits through compost production. We consider community-based and on-farm facilities alongside centralized, large-scale infrastructure to explore decentralized and diversified alternative futures of composting infrastructure in the state of California. We find using a diversity of facilities would provide opportunity for cost savings while achieving significant emissions reductions of approximately 3.4 ± 1 MMT CO2e and demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate community protection into compost infrastructure planning while meeting economic and environmental objectives.

Advancing financial transparency and ethical governance: innovative cost management and accountability in higher education and industry

Advancing financial transparency and ethical governance in higher education and industry is imperative for fostering trust, accountability, and sustainability. This review explores innovative cost management strategies and accountability measures to achieve these goals. In both higher education and industry, financial transparency ensures stakeholders have access to accurate, timely, and comprehensible financial information. This transparency is crucial for building trust among investors, donors, regulators, and the public. Moreover, it facilitates informed decision-making and enhances organizational efficiency. One innovative approach to advancing financial transparency is the adoption of cloud-based financial management systems. These systems offer real-time data accessibility, automated reporting, and customizable dashboards, enabling institutions to track expenditures, revenue streams, and budget variances more effectively. Additionally, blockchain technology holds promise in ensuring the integrity and immutability of financial records, reducing the risk of fraud and corruption. Ethical governance goes hand in hand with financial transparency, emphasizing integrity, honesty, and accountability in organizational practices. Robust governance frameworks establish clear lines of responsibility, codes of conduct, and mechanisms for oversight. In higher education, this involves empowering governing boards with diverse expertise and ensuring academic and financial decisions align with institutional missions. To enhance ethical governance, institutions can implement whistleblower protection programs and conduct regular ethics training for employees. These initiatives promote a culture of transparency and integrity, encouraging individuals to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation. Cost management plays a pivotal role in financial sustainability and ethical governance. Traditional cost-cutting measures often focus on reducing expenses without considering long-term implications. Innovative cost management, however, emphasizes efficiency, value creation, and sustainability. Activity-based costing is one such approach that allocates costs based on the activities that drive them, providing a more accurate understanding of resource consumption. This enables institutions to make informed decisions about resource allocation and pricing strategies. Furthermore, strategic sourcing and vendor management help optimize procurement processes, negotiate favorable contracts, and mitigate risks associated with third-party relationships. Collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders can also facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and cost-saving opportunities. Accountability mechanisms are essential for ensuring that financial resources are used responsibly and in alignment with organizational objectives. Performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) provide benchmarks for evaluating financial and operational performance. These metrics should be transparent, relevant, and aligned with strategic goals. Advancing financial transparency and ethical governance requires a multifaceted approach encompassing technological innovation, robust governance frameworks, strategic cost management, and accountability measures. By embracing these principles, both higher education institutions and industries can build trust, enhance efficiency, and achieve long-term sustainability. Keywords: Financial Transparency, Ethical Governance, Cost Management, Accountability, Higher Education, Industry

Investigating price trends and cost-saving opportunities for prescription of topical calcineurin inhibitors using the Truven Marketscan Database

Investigating price trends and cost-saving opportunities for prescription of topical calcineurin inhibitors using the Truven Marketscan Database

Integrating accounting models with supply chain management in the aerospace industry: A strategic approach to enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the U.S

This concept paper proposes the integration of accounting models with supply chain management in the aerospace industry as a strategic approach to enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the United States. The aerospace sector faces numerous challenges, including complex supply chains, stringent regulatory requirements, and cost pressures. By combining accounting principles with supply chain management strategies, this approach aims to optimize operations, improve financial transparency, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Key objectives of this initiative include streamlining financial processes, enhancing decision-making capabilities, and mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions. By leveraging accounting models such as activity-based costing, lean accounting, and performance measurement systems, organizations can gain insights into cost structures, identify inefficiencies, and allocate resources effectively across the supply chain. Moreover, integrating accounting with supply chain management enables real-time monitoring of financial performance metrics, enabling timely interventions and adjustments to achieve strategic goals. This approach also facilitates better coordination between finance and operations teams, leading to improved communication, alignment of objectives, and ultimately, enhanced organizational performance. In the context of the aerospace industry, where precision, reliability, and cost-efficiency are paramount, this integrated approach offers significant benefits. It enables companies to optimize inventory management, minimize waste, and identify opportunities for cost savings throughout the supply chain. Additionally, by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making, organizations can adapt more effectively to market dynamics and gain a competitive edge. This concept paper outlines the theoretical framework and practical implications of integrating accounting models with supply chain management in the aerospace industry. Through case studies, best practices, and implementation strategies, it provides a roadmap for organizations to embrace this strategic approach and realize its full potential in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the U.S. aerospace sector.

INTEGRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: A REVIEW

Integrating renewable energy solutions into the manufacturing industry presents a critical pathway towards achieving sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. This review paper aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of renewable energy technologies in manufacturing settings. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and case studies, the paper identifies key barriers to integration, including high initial costs, technological limitations, and the need for skilled workforce. Additionally, it examines the role of policy frameworks, financial incentives, and technological advancements in facilitating the transition towards renewable energy. The methodology involves a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and governmental policies related to renewable energy adoption in the manufacturing sector. The paper highlights the importance of strategic planning, investment in research and development, and collaboration between stakeholders as essential components for successful integration. Key findings suggest that while challenges remain significant, the opportunities for cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced corporate reputation make a compelling case for the shift towards renewable energy. The paper concludes that with supportive policies, continuous technological innovation, and stakeholder engagement, the manufacturing industry can overcome existing hurdles and significantly contribute to global sustainability goals. The review calls for further research into scalable and sector-specific renewable energy solutions to facilitate wider adoption across the manufacturing industry.
 Keywords: Renewable Energy, Technological Innovation, Policy and Regulatory Support, Financial Mechanisms, Capacity Building, Infrastructure Development, Market Development.

Master protocols and other innovative trial designs in inflammation and immunology to expedite clinical drug development

Master protocol designs, such as umbrella and basket studies, allow multiple compounds or multiple target populations to be evaluated simultaneously within a single protocol, and have been widely adopted in oncology clinical trials. These novel designs can also be applied in other therapeutic areas, where they could have several benefits over conducting traditional randomized controlled trials. Here, we detail Pfizer’s recent implementations of master protocol designs in inflammation and immunology clinical studies, focusing on the opportunities for cost and resource savings and how these designs can expedite the time required to bring new treatments to patients in need.

Implementing Circular Economy Principles to Enhance Safety and Environmental Sustainability in Manufacturing

The global manufacturing sector is confronted with mounting challenges related to safety hazards and environmental sustainability. In response, there has been a growing emphasis on adopting circular economy principles as a transformative approach to address these pressing issues. This review explores the implementation of circular economy principles within manufacturing processes to enhance safety and environmental sustainability. Circular economy principles prioritize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the continual use of materials within closed loops. By shifting from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular approach, manufacturing facilities can significantly mitigate safety risks associated with hazardous waste generation and disposal. Moreover, the adoption of circularity fosters a culture of preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents and improving overall safety standards. Furthermore, integrating circular economy principles into manufacturing operations contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing resource depletion and pollution. Through strategies such as product redesign for recyclability, remanufacturing, and waste valorization, manufacturers can reduce their reliance on virgin materials and curb emissions. This transition towards circularity not only diminishes the environmental footprint of manufacturing activities but also creates opportunities for cost savings and innovation. However, the successful implementation of circular economy principles in manufacturing requires a concerted effort from stakeholders across the value chain. Collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, and consumers is essential to overcome barriers such as technological limitations, regulatory constraints, and behavioral change resistance. Embracing circular economy principles holds immense potential for enhancing safety and environmental sustainability in manufacturing. Through systematic integration and collaboration, the manufacturing sector can pave the way towards a safer, more sustainable future.

Stationery Management System

The Stationery Management System is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and automate the processes involved in managing stationery inventory for organizations. This system aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity by providing a centralized platform to track, control, and replenish stationery supplies. The system offers a user-friendly interface that allows authorized personnel, such as office administrators or procurement managers, to manage all aspects of stationery inventory effectively. It provides the following key features: Inventory Management: The system maintains a comprehensive database of stationery items, including details such as item name, description, quantity, and unit price. It allows users to easily add new items, update existing ones, and track stock levels in real-time. Purchase and Requisition: Users can generate purchase orders or requisitions directly from the system, ensuring a streamlined procurement process. The system can also integrate with external vendors or suppliers to automate order placement and tracking. Stock Monitoring: The system provides real-time visibility into the current stock levels of stationery items. Users can set up automated alerts to notify them when stock levels fall below a predefined threshold, ensuring timely reordering and preventing stock outs. Issue and Return Tracking: The system facilitates the tracking of stationery items issued to employees or departments. It enables users to record item issuances, monitor their usage, and manage returns efficiently. This feature helps prevent misuse and ensures accountability. Reporting and Analytics: The system generates comprehensive reports and analytics, offering valuable insights into stationery usage, expenditure, and inventory trends. These reports assist in making data-driven decisions, optimizing procurement processes, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Integration and Accessibility: The system can integrate with other existing systems within the organization, such as accounting or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, to ensure seamless data flow and minimize manual data entry. It also provides accessibility across multiple devices, enabling users to manage stationery inventory remotely. Overall, the Stationery Management System provides organizations with a centralized and efficient solution to manage their stationery inventory effectively. By automating key processes and providing real-time visibility, the system optimizes procurement, reduces waste, and enhances productivity, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Retrospective analysis of the impact of electronic medical record alerts on low value care in a pediatric hospital.

Hospital costs continue to rise unsustainably. Up to 20% of care is wasteful including low value care (LVC). This study aimed to understand whether electronic medical record (EMR) alerts are effective at reducing pediatric LVC and measure the impact on hospital costs. Using EMR data over a 76-month period, we evaluated changes in 4 LVC practices following the implementation of EMR alerts, using time series analysis to control for underlying time-based trends, in a large pediatric hospital in Australia. The main outcome measure was the change in rate of each LVC practice. Balancing measures included the rate of alert adherence as a proxy measure for risk of alert fatigue. Hospital costs were calculated by the volume of LVC avoided multiplied by the unit costs. Costs of the intervention were calculated from clinician and analyst time required. All 4 LVC practices showed a statistically significant reduction following alert implementation. Two LVC practices (blood tests) showed an abrupt change, associated with high rates of alert adherence. The other 2 LVC practices (bronchodilator use in bronchiolitis and electrocardiogram ordering for sleeping bradycardia) showed an accelerated rate of improvement compared to baseline trends with lower rates of alert adherence. Hospital savings were $325 to $180 000 per alert. EMR alerts are effective in reducing pediatric LVC practices and offer a cost-saving opportunity to the hospital. Further efforts to leverage EMR alerts in pediatric settings to reduce LVC are likely to support future sustainable healthcare delivery.

A Cost Analysis of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in the United States

ObjectiveTo perform a cost analysis of generic and brand-name PDE5 inhibitors at different dosages and pharmacies across the US. MethodsUsing an all-payer retail pharmacy-claims database, we analyzed prescription drug data for three generic and six brand-name oral PDE5 inhibitors at different dosages across US chain and independent pharmacies in 2019. ResultsWe obtained cash price data from 60,186 pharmacies (35,976 chain and 24,210 independent). The nationwide mean cash price per unit (PPU) ranged from $8.6±5.2 (sildenafil 20mg at chain pharmacies) to $107.1±71 (Adcirca 20mg at independent pharmacies) equal to 1,145.3% difference. Chain pharmacies provided significantly lower average prices for one brand-name and six generic PDE5 inhibitors. Tadalafil PPU was cheaper at higher quantities, however PPU increased with quantity prescribed for sildenafil. Looking at the top 10 metropolitan statistical areas, the highest PPUs were observed for tadalafil (Cialis) 10mg and sildenafil (Viagra) 50mg in Atlanta ($67.4±8.7) and Los Angeles ($50.3±24.0), while New York ($9.7±2.6) and Miami ($27.9±16.4) had the lowest PPUs for tadalafil (Cialis) 5mg and sildenafil (Viagra) 100mg, respectively. ConclusionA substantial variability in PDE5 inhibitor cash prices exists across manufacturer, dosage, quantity, pharmacy type, and location. In addition, the pricing does not necessarily correlate with the regional socioeconomic factors. This highlights the importance of provider awareness and patient counseling on drug price including potentially assisting patients in identifying opportunities for cost savings.

Bed Rest Reduction Following Cardiac Catheterizations Using Vascular Closure Devices

Background Bed rest duration following deployment of a vascular closure device after transfemoral left-sided cardiac catheterization is not standardized. Despite research supporting reduced bed rest, many hospitals require prolonged bed rest. Delayed ambulation is associated with back pain, urine retention, difficulty eating, and longer stay. Objective To study length of stay, safety, and opportunity cost savings of reduced bed rest at a large urban hospital. Methods A single-site 12-week study of 1-hour bed rest after transfemoral cardiac catheterizations using vascular closure devices. Results were compared with historical controls treated similarly. Results The standard bed rest group included 295 patients (207 male, 88 female; mean [SD] age, 64.4 [8.6] years). The early ambulation group included 260 patients (188 male, 72 female; mean [SD] age, 64 [9.3] years). The groups had no significant difference in age (t634 = 1.18, P = .21) or sex (χ12=0.2, P = .64). Three patients in the standard bed rest group and 1 in the early ambulation group had hematomas (P = .36). The stay for diagnostic cardiac catheterizations was longer in the standard bed rest group (mean [SD], 220.7 [55.2] minutes) than in the early ambulation group (mean [SD], 182.1 [78.5] minutes; t196 = 4.06; P < .001). Stay for percutaneous coronary interventions was longer in the standard bed rest group (mean [SD], 400.2 [50.8] minutes) than in the early ambulation group (mean [SD], 381.6 [54.7] minutes; t262 = 2.86; P = .005). Conclusion Reduced bed rest was safe, shortened stays, and improved efficiency by creating opportunity cost savings.

Clean energy-led tourism development in Malaysia: Do environmental degradation, FDI, Education and ICT matter?

Concerning tourism, two lines of evidence are available in the literature, i.e., tourism's impact on macro fundamentals and determinants of tourism development. Regarding determinants, researchers have documented positive and negative associations between selected macro fundamentals and tourism development. The study's objective is to examine the impact of clean energy, foreign direct investment (FDI), education, and information and communication technology (ICT) on tourism development in Malaysia from 1990 to 2021. The study employed several econometrical techniques in investigating the empirical nexus, including the Bayer-Hancked cointegration test, ARDL Bound testing, Nonlinear ARDL, Toda-Yamamoto causality, and Fourier TY causality test. Moreover, the study employed dynamic OLS, Fully-modified OLS and CCR for the coefficient robust test. The study indicates that the utilization of renewable energy sources has the potential to alleviate the adverse environmental impacts associated with conventional energy sources. This, in turn, can enhance the appeal of tourist destinations to environmentally conscious visitors. Clean energy sources can provide tourism enterprises with cost-saving opportunities, improving profitability and ensuring long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the study reveals a noteworthy correlation between foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism development. This implies that FDI plays a significant role in fostering tourism activities within the economy. Moreover, it has been found that education plays a crucial role in fostering tourism growth by positively influencing the quality of services and experiences offered to travelers. Finally, the study emphasizes the positive impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the growth and advancement of the tourism industry. This is particularly evident in utilizing online booking systems, mobile applications, and immersive virtual tourism experiences.

Modified Brain Injury Guidelines for preinjury anticoagulation in traumatic brain injury: An opportunity to reduce health care resource utilization.

The Brain Injury Guidelines (BIG) stratify patients by traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity to provide management recommendations to reduce health care resource burden but mandates that patients on anticoagulation (AC) are allocated to the most severe tertile (BIG 3). We sought to analyze TBI patients on AC therapy using a modified BIG model to determine if this population can offer further opportunity for safe reductions in health care resource utilization. Patients 55 years or older on AC with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) from two centers were retrospectively stratified into BIG 1 to 3 risk groups using modified BIG criteria excluding AC as a criterion. Intracranial hemorrhage progression, neurosurgical intervention (NSI), death, and worsened discharge status were compared. A total of 221 patients were included, with 23%, 29%, and 48% classified as BIG 1, BIG 2, and BIG 3, respectively. The BIG 3 cohort had a higher rate of AC reversal agents administered (66%) compared with the BIG 1 (40%) and BIG 2 (54%) cohorts ( p < 0.01), as well as ICH progression discovered on repeat head computed tomography (56% vs. 38% vs. 26%, respectively; p < 0.001). No patients in the BIG 1 and 2 cohorts required NSI. No patients in BIG 1 and 3% of patients in BIG 2 died secondary to the ICH. In the BIG 3 cohort, 16% of patients required NSI and 26% died. Brain Injury Guidelines 3 patients had 15 times the odds of mortality compared with BIG 1 patients ( p < 0.01). The AC population had higher rates of ICH progression than the BIG literature, but this did not lead to more NSI or mortality in the lower tertiles of our modified BIG protocol. If the modified BIG used the original tertile management on our population, then NS consultation may have been reduced by up to 52%. These modified criteria may be a safe opportunity for further health care resource and cost savings in the TBI population. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

A digital twin for DNA data storage based on comprehensive quantification of errors and biases

Archiving data in synthetic DNA offers unprecedented storage density and longevity. Handling and storage introduce errors and biases into DNA-based storage systems, necessitating the use of Error Correction Coding (ECC) which comes at the cost of added redundancy. However, insufficient data on these errors and biases, as well as a lack of modeling tools, limit data-driven ECC development and experimental design. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterisation of the error sources and biases present in the most common DNA data storage workflows, including commercial DNA synthesis, PCR, decay by accelerated aging, and sequencing-by-synthesis. Using the data from 40 sequencing experiments, we build a digital twin of the DNA data storage process, capable of simulating state-of-the-art workflows and reproducing their experimental results. We showcase the digital twin’s ability to replace experiments and rationalize the design of redundancy in two case studies, highlighting opportunities for tangible cost savings and data-driven ECC development.

Characterization of combined endoscopies and aerodigestive care: An analysis of utilization and financial feasibility.

Aerodigestive care is one model of multi-disciplinary care, which is a valuable tool for both providers and patients. Aerodigestive care models are associated with improved outcomes, reduced anesthesia exposure, reduction in hospital admissions, and fewer days of missed work or school. This is the first study to explore national usage and cost trends in combined endoscopy utilization to identify gaps in care and the potential for financial resource optimization. Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kid's Inpatient Sample (KID) was used from 2016 and 2019. Diagnoses and procedures were identified using ICD-10 codes, for patients with hospital length of stay less than 1 day. Demographic data were identified, and survey-weighted means and proportions were computed. Bivariate comparisons were made using Rao Scott Chi-Square tests. National estimates of charges were computed with discharge weights, developed using the American Hospital Association (AHA) universe. White, high-income patients, and those at urban teaching hospitals received the greatest proportion of combined endoscopic procedures. The cost/charges associated with combined endoscopies are less than for separate gastrointestinal (GI) or airway only endoscopies combined. However, combined procedures comprise a smaller share of national aggregate cost. National utilization trends highlight racial and socioeconomic disparities and suggest differences in access based on hospital characteristics, despite the reduced cost/charges of the combined procedure. For patients with a need for combined aerodigestive procedures, there appears to be a cost-savings opportunity to increase efforts for combined procedures at the level of the clinician or hospital.

Economic and health impact modelling of a whole genome sequencing-led intervention strategy for bacterial healthcare-associated infections for England and for the USA.

Bacterial healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a substantial source of global morbidity and mortality. The estimated cost associated with HAIs ranges from $35 to $45 billion in the USA alone. The costs and accessibility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria and the lack of sufficiently accurate, high-resolution, scalable and accessible analysis for strain identification are being addressed. Thus, it is timely to determine the economic viability and impact of routine diagnostic bacterial genomics. The aim of this study was to model the economic impact of a WGS surveillance system that proactively detects and directs interventions for nosocomial infections and outbreaks compared to the current standard of care, without WGS. Using a synthesis of published models, inputs from national statistics, and peer-reviewed articles, the economic impacts of conducting a WGS-led surveillance system addressing the 11 most common nosocomial pathogen groups in England and the USA were modelled. This was followed by a series of sensitivity analyses. England was used to establish the baseline model because of the greater availability of underpinning data, and this was then modified using USA-specific parameters where available. The model for the NHS in England shows bacterial HAIs currently cost the NHS around £3 billion. WGS-based surveillance delivery is predicted to cost £61.1 million associated with the prevention of 74 408 HAIs and 1257 deaths. The net cost saving was £478.3 million, of which £65.8 million were from directly incurred savings (antibiotics, consumables, etc.) and £412.5 million from opportunity cost savings due to re-allocation of hospital beds and healthcare professionals. The USA model indicates that the bacterial HAI care baseline costs are around $18.3 billion. WGS surveillance costs $169.2 million, and resulted in a net saving of ca.$3.2 billion, while preventing 169 260 HAIs and 4862 deaths. From a 'return on investment' perspective, the model predicts a return to the hospitals of £7.83 per £1 invested in diagnostic WGS in the UK, and US$18.74 per $1 in the USA. Sensitivity analyses show that substantial savings are retained when inputs to the model are varied within a wide range of upper and lower limits. Modelling a proactive WGS system addressing HAI pathogens shows significant improvement in morbidity and mortality while simultaneously achieving substantial savings to healthcare facilities that more than offset the cost of implementing diagnostic genomics surveillance.

Techno-economic and environmental evaluation on radiative sky cooling-based novel passive envelope strategies to achieve building sustainability and carbon neutrality

As the pursuit of carbon neutrality gains momentum, retrofitting high-performance buildings with novel, energy-efficient passive envelope systems has emerged as a promising pathway towards building sustainability. To this end, this study aims to propose, evaluate, and optimize such envelope systems considering varying climate patterns in China by incorporating state-of-the-art passive cooling strategies into buildings. Comprehensive techno-economic and environmental evaluations were conducted on a standard-compliant three-story typical commercial building, considering newly proposed passive approaches. The energy performance evaluation reveals that the super-cool white roof corresponds to annual cooling electricity savings of 2.5–6.1% for the entire building and 7.0–17.1% for the top floor in response to varying climate patterns. By contrast, the radiative cooling red and yellow walls exhibit cooling energy saving rates of 1.4–1.9% and 1.9–2.6%, respectively. The insulated grey clear double-glazing window can garner even greater cooling energy savings of 2.6–13.5%. It is highlighted that for the cities located in cold regions, the thermal improvement in windows offers a significantly greater opportunity for cost savings and carbon reduction compared to retrofitting roof and wall surfaces. To maximize net savings, the optimization scheme can achieve cost savings in hot-summer cities ranging from 859.1 to 1835.1 $/year, with an average of 1151.2 $/year, and from 784.4 to 1076.5 $/year, with an average of 658.8 $/year for cold cities. To minimize carbon emissions, the optimal design approach can reduce carbon emissions by 18,093.6–37,526.6 kg/year, with an average of 22,745.0 kg/year, in response to varying climate patterns. Overall, this study sheds light on the state-of-the-art passive envelope strategies that can achieve energy-efficient carbon-neutral buildings for a variety of climates in China. The optimization scheme proposed in this study provides a useful framework for designing passive envelope systems that are tailored to specific climate patterns.

Costs and consequences of over-investigation of minor transfusion reactions.

Adverse transfusion events create a direct cost burden on the healthcare system through increased morbidity, mortality, extra investigations for diagnosis, patient treatment and increased use of hospital resources. Understanding the costs and impact minor transfusion reactions have on the healthcare system presents an opportunity for potential cost savings and improved clinical practice. To determine the cost associated with investigating minor transfusion reactions, to identify opportunities to improve the management of blood transfusion reactions and potential cost savings through the application of current national guidelines. A retrospective review of all suspected transfusion reactions reported to the laboratory over a 6-year period was performed. Reports were assessed for appropriateness of clinical management and associated investigations. Cost of inappropriate investigations and associated blood product discard was calculated using current national tariffs. Of the 274 reports, febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions were the most common reactions, with 96 (35%) cases. One hundred forty-eight patients were unnecessarily investigated for suspected transfusion reactions totalling AU$ 32 427.00. The initial total value of partially discarded blood products was AU$ 55 656.00. The study demonstrated that unnecessary investigation of minor transfusion reactions adds a significant financial burden to the healthcare system.

Treatment Patterns &amp; Health Care Costs Among Patients With Stroke &amp; Spasticity

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/2023 Patients with poststroke spasticity experienced higher mean health care costs than those with stroke without spasticity. Earlier identification to optimize treatment of spasticity represents an opportunity for cost savings in health care systems. Primary Author and Speaker: Jonathan Bouchard Contributing Authors: Michael Hull, Ruthwik Anupindi, Jing He, Mitchell DeKoven, Jumaah Goldberg, Jonathan Bouchard