Eman A Hammad1, Taissir Fardous2, Ibrahim Abbadi1. 1. Department of Biopharmarceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. 2. Health Economy Directory, Jordan Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Policy makers are on quest for estimates of health costs to achieve maximum efficiency and sustainability. In Jordan, there is a scarcity of information on hospital service costs. AIM: The purpose of this study was to estimate the direct cost of hospital services in one of the biggest public hospitals in Amman, Jordan. METHODS: A retrospective analysis forms a 400-bed public urban hospital. Costs were estimated in Jordanian dinars (JD) (exchange rate was US$1.41). RESULTS: Inpatient costs contributed to 50% of all costs whilst outpatient clinics consumed 17%. Average cost per admission was JD 481.6 (US$674.2), JD 106.7 (US$149.3) per inpatient day and JD 63.1 (US$88.3) per bed day. The average cost per visit to emergency room was JD 14.1 s (US$19.7). Cost per visit to ambulatory care services ranged between JD 37.3 and 473 (US$52.6-662.2). The average cost per surgery was JD 322.1 (US$454.2). CONCLUSIONS: With high health costs, areas for improvements in efficiency and cost savings must be identified and discussed with managers and policy makers. A larger-scale study is advocated to understand the costs of various health providers such as military, teaching and private hospitals.
BACKGROUND: Policy makers are on quest for estimates of health costs to achieve maximum efficiency and sustainability. In Jordan, there is a scarcity of information on hospital service costs. AIM: The purpose of this study was to estimate the direct cost of hospital services in one of the biggest public hospitals in Amman, Jordan. METHODS: A retrospective analysis forms a 400-bed public urban hospital. Costs were estimated in Jordanian dinars (JD) (exchange rate was US$1.41). RESULTS: Inpatient costs contributed to 50% of all costs whilst outpatient clinics consumed 17%. Average cost per admission was JD 481.6 (US$674.2), JD 106.7 (US$149.3) per inpatient day and JD 63.1 (US$88.3) per bed day. The average cost per visit to emergency room was JD 14.1 s (US$19.7). Cost per visit to ambulatory care services ranged between JD 37.3 and 473 (US$52.6-662.2). The average cost per surgery was JD 322.1 (US$454.2). CONCLUSIONS: With high health costs, areas for improvements in efficiency and cost savings must be identified and discussed with managers and policy makers. A larger-scale study is advocated to understand the costs of various health providers such as military, teaching and private hospitals.
Authors: Eman A Hammad; Ibrahim Alabbadi; Fardos Taissir; Malek Hajjwi; Nathir M Obeidat; Qais Alefan; Rimal Mousa Journal: Health Econ Rev Date: 2022-02-05