ASSESSMENT OF THE DIRECT THEORETICAL COST OF A STAY IN A RECOVERY ROOM

Objective: To assess the direct cost of a stay in a postanaesthesia ca re unit (PACU). Study design: Standard cost study based on information gathered from staff and suppliers in accordance with government regul ations and recommendations. Results reviewed by a group of anaesthesis ts. Type of PACU: PACU working in ideal conditions with optimal safety conditions for and accommodation surgical patients). Method: Estimati on of three cost components: 1) depreciation and maintenance costs of equipment, 2) physician and other staff wages, and 3) variable costs s uch as drugs and disposable devices. We computed an annual budget for three PACU which was defined according to size (4, 8 or 12 beds) and w orking hours. Results: Fixed annual costs (staff and equipment) were 1 ,134,938 FF for a 4 bed room; 3,820,339 FF for an 8 bed room; and 6,48 1,792 FF for a 12 bed room. Variable costs per stay were 75.43 FF. The cost of a stay in an 8 bed PACU based on a rate of 3,500 stays per ye ar therefore was 1,167 FF (87.0% for staff, 6.6% for equipment, 6.4% f or variable costs).