Hospital palliative care is cost-effective and improves outcomes
22nd August 2018
Palliative care consultations in hospital are cost-effective and improve outcomes. This study analysed the association between palliative care consultation (PCC) and hospital costs for adult inpatients. It found that not only is PCC associated with lower costs (per previous studies) but that systematic associations are observable between baseline clinical factors and cost-saving estimates. In particular, PCC appears most impactful on patterns of treatment for those with high numbers of comorbidities – i.e. the population who account disproportionately for health care costs yet experience poor outcomes. Palliative care could therefore be a critical tool for policymakers looking to improve outcomes and curb cost growth among those with serious illness in an era of demographic ageing.
May P, Normand C, Cassel JB, Del Fabbro E, Fine RL, Menz R, Morrison CA, Penrod JD, Robinson C, Morrison RS. Economics of Palliative Care for Hospitalized Adults With Serious Illness: A Meta-analysis. JAMA internal medicine 2018; 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.0750.