Cost analysis and utilization of mechanical ventilators in intensive care units of south India

In order to optimize resource consumption and resource distribution especially costly and vital equipment, it is necessary to calculate and compare cost and revenue center areas in ICUs. The study was conducted in six Adult ICUs of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern India during three month study period actual revenue and utilization data of mechanical ventilators' in ICUs' were collected. The contribution margin followed by cost-volume-profit calculation was performed. The 666 patients requiring mechanical ventilation were admitted in six Adult ICUs over a period of three months. Medical ICU had a maximum number of patient days as compared with other ICUs the allocation was skewed and the two ICUs were over utilizing the resources. The ventilators proper allocation and utilization add to the profit margin of the hospital as well as decrease the chance of nosocomial infections.