18 Aug 2022
20 Minutes
Acuities. Complexity. Risk levels. Unplanned readmissions. And certainly costs.
This high-stakes setting presents unique challenges to clinical and financial outcomes alike — and post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are among the top offenders. In this article, we will dive into the clinical need to address these challenges, the financial burden you may not realize you are already paying and, most importantly, proven strategies to reduce these costly complications.
Some of the most common pulmonary/lung complications after surgery are:
PPCs are common and dangerous. Incidence estimates range from 3-7.9%1,2 after general surgeries, with higher rates for these problems after lung surgeries.3 They are associated with long periods of immobility (all too common in the ICU), and they impact patient stability and outcomes in ways that are both immediate and far-reaching:
PPCs have been shown to increase length of stay by 13-17 days4,5,6
14-30% of patients experiencing PPCs die within 30 days after a major surgery (compared to only 0.2-3% of patients without PPCs).17,18,19,20,21,22
Respiratory and cardiac conditions are the most common precipitating causes of ICU readmissions (30-70%).7 Furthermore, reintubation, pulmonary edema and atelectasis after surgery are known predictors of adverse discharge dispositions (in-hospital mortality or discharge to a nursing home).8
PPCs also impact hospitals’ financial outcomes. Additional care, longer stays in the ICU and CMS penalties are just a few reasons why.
Reintubation is associated with a higher risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP),11,12 which has been linked to longer ICU LOS and $20-80,000 higher costs of care.13
Respiratory complications are leading causes of unplanned ICU readmissions — and ICU readmissions have twice the average hospital LOS.9 Additionally, excess readmissions can lead to lower reimbursements from CMS.10
What are post-operative pulmonary complications already costing your hospital? Uncover your true burden with this interactive calculator. Simply enter your own clinical data like staffed beds, average LOS, surgical case volume, etc., and the tool will estimate your actual costs.
In-bed pulmonary therapy has been shown to be safe, feasible and effective in the ICU. In fact, a study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic with 637 neurology ICU patients found that a progressive mobility program (featuring in-bed pulmonary therapy) led to:3
The Progressa Smart+ Bed provides in-bed therapies and mobility support to help reduce pulmonary complications and other common side-effects of immobility.
Chest physiotherapy with in-bed percussion & vibration therapies are designed to facilitate mucous mobilization. Caregivers can deliver this in-bed therapy with the touch of a few buttons.
Full-body CLRT is designed to assist in mobilizing mucus secretions, resulting in a more comfortable, therapeutic experience and faster recovery.
Flexible frame options help patients move safely and easily. The FullChair position with chair egress supports patients as they work to stand, and a three-mode bed exit alarm helps caregivers prevent patient falls.
With technology tailored for the elevated risks, complexities and stakes in your ICU, you can make an impact on both clinical and financial outcomes. We can help. Learn more about the Progressa Smart+ Bed or reach out to your Hillrom/Baxter representative today.
