The High Cost of HIV-Positive Inpatient Care at an Urban Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While most HIV care is provided on an outpatient basis, hospitals continue to treat serious HIV-related admissions, which is relatively resource-intensive and expensive. This study reports the primary reasons for HIV-related admission at a regional, urban hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa and estimates the associated lengths of stay and costs.

Methods and findings

A retrospective cohort study of adult, medical admissions was conducted. Each admission was assigned a reason for admission and an outcome. The length of stay was calculated for all patients (N = 1,041) and for HIV-positive patients (n = 469), actual utilization and associated costs were also estimated. Just under half were known to be HIV-positive admissions. Deaths and transfers were proportionate

SUBMITTER: Long LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4757549 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature