Costs of postoperative morbidity following paediatric cardiac surgery: observational study

Objective 

Early mortality rates for paediatric cardiac surgery have fallen due to advancements in care. Alternative indicators of care quality are needed. Postoperative morbidities are of particular interest. However, while health impacts have been reported, associated costs are unknown. Our objective was to calculate the costs of postoperative morbidities following paediatric cardiac surgery.

Design 

Two methods of data collection were integrated into the main study: (1) case-matched cohort study of children with and without predetermined morbidities; (2) incidence rates of morbidity, measured prospectively.

Setting 

Five specialist paediatric cardiac surgery centres, accounting for half of UK patients.

Patients 

Cohort study included 666 children (340 with morbidities). Incidence rates were measured in 3090 consecutive procedures.

Methods 

Risk-adjusted regression modelling to determine marginal effects of morbidities on per-patient costs. Calculation of costs for hospital providers according to incidence rates. Extrapolation using mandatory audit data to report annual financial burden for the health service.

Outcome measures 

Impact of postoperative morbidities on per-patient costs, hospital costs and UK health service costs.

Results 

Seven of the 10 morbidity categories resulted in significant costs, with mean (95% CI) additional costs ranging from £7483 (£3–£17 289) to £66 784 (£40 609–£103 539) per patient. On average all morbidities combined increased hospital costs by 22.3%. Total burden to the UK health service exceeded £21 million each year.

Conclusion 

Postoperative morbidities are associated with a significant financial burden. Our findings could aid clinical teams and hospital providers to account for costs and contextualise quality improvement initiatives.