Cost effectiveness of kinetic therapy in preventing nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections in patients suffering from trauma.

Studies show that kinetic therapy (KT) reduces the incidence of early pneumonia and other complications, and shortens hospital length of stay. Using decision-tree software in a retrospective analysis of one investigator's clinical data, the authors sought to determine if KT is cost effective for preventing nosocomial pneumonia and other complications in patients with critical illnesses. This analysis revealed that KT yielded 202 fewer infections per 1,000 patients suffering trauma--a cost savings of $6,695 per patient compared with standard care. On this basis, they conclude that prophylactic KT is cost effective and should be considered for at-risk patients in the critical care setting.