Cost-benefit analysis of unnecessary simple x-rays carried out in patients cared for at the general hospital of the IESS of Manta Ecuador

Análisis de costo-beneficio de las radiografías simples innecesarias realizadas en los pacientes atendidos en el hospital general del IESS de Manta, Ecuador.

• Jacinto López Universidad del Zulia
• Leobaldo Barrera Universidad del Zulia
• Freddy Hidalgo Unidad Radiológica Hidalgo
• Maria Párraga Hospital General del IESS de Manta
• Nohelia Zambrano Centro de Salud San Antonio
• Vera Christian Hospital de Especialidades de Portoviejo

Keywords: cost-benefit, plain radiographs, patients

Abstract

In order to carry out a cost-benefit analysis study of unnecessary plain radiographs performed in patients treated at the general hospital of the IESS in Manta Ecuador. A non-experimental descriptive study was carried out with a population census of 74,230 patients. The data collection instrument was a card validated by experts in the area. To quantify the costs, the standard value provided by the hospital administration department was taken for all radiographs. The results show the proportion of pathological diagnoses of 60%, compared to non-pathological 40%, observing, in frequency of studies according to anatomical region, that a third was in the Thorax (36%); Those classified as non-pathological resulted in a proportion of 40% with a “p” <0.05 of Spearman in relation to those reported as pathological, showing a low performance in radiological studies, according to what is established by the WHO. There are significant statistical differences when correlating the areas of emergency care, outpatient consultation and other services with pathological and non-pathological diagnoses p <0.05. The formation of an ad hod commission is suggested to draw up regulations and protocol for requesting radiological studies in order to reduce unnecessary plain radiographs.

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