Answer 11: Effect of HAP/VAP on medical costs

20 June, 2018

 

 

HAP prolongs hospital stays for an average of 7-9 days and adds excess medical costs ranging from US$12,000 to US$40,000 per patient (3-5). Specific interventions can be employed to prevent HAP/VAP. These evidence-based interventions have the potential to reduce mortality and morbidity, and decrease healthcare costs by US$13,340 for every episode of VAP that is prevented (13,74). For this reason, hospitals should routinely employ programs aimed at the prevention of HAP and VAP.