Variability drivers of treatment costs in hospitals: A systematic review
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Publication type
Vlerick strategic journal articleAuthor
Jacobs, KarelRoman, Erin
Lambert, Jo
Moke, Lieven
Scheys, Lennart
Kesteloot, Katrien
Roodhooft, Filip
Cardoen, Brecht
Publication Year
2022Journal
Health PolicyPublication Volume
126Publication Issue
2Publication Begin page
75Publication End page
86
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Objectives Studies on variability drivers of treatment costs in hospitals can provide the necessary information for policymakers and healthcare providers seeking to redesign reimbursement schemes and improve the outcomes-over-cost ratio, respectively. This systematic literature review, focusing on the hospital perspective, provides an overview of studies focusing on variability in treatment cost, an outline of their study characteristics and cost drivers, and suggestions on future research methodology. Methods We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We searched PubMED/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Science direct, OvidSP and Cochrane library. Two investigators extracted and appraised data for citation until October 2020. Results 90 eligible articles were included. Patient, treatment and disease characteristics and, to a lesser extent, outcome and institutional characteristics were identified as significant variables explaining cost variability. In one-third of the studies, the costing method was classified as unclear due to the limited explanation provided by the authors. Conclusion Various patient, treatment and disease characteristics were identified to explain hospital cost variability. The limited transparency on how hospital costs are defined is a remarkable observation for studies wherein cost variability is the main focus. Recommendations relating to variables, costs, and statistical methods to consider when designing and conducting cost variability studies were provided.Keyword
Cost Variability Drivers, Hospital Costs, Systematic Review, Cost Variation, Value-based Healthcare, Costs and Cost AnalysisKnowledge Domain/Industry
Accounting & FinanceOperations & Supply Chain Management
Special Industries : Healthcare Management
ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.12.004