Analytical approach:
This economic evaluation was based on a decision analytic model, with data from a single study. A short-term horizon was considered, which was the hospital length of stay. The authors did not explicitly state the perspective taken.
Effectiveness data:
The clinical data were derived from a non-randomised controlled trial, which enrolled 103 patients in the LG1 group and 464 patients in the control group between February and April 2006 at the post-neurosurgery unit of the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The patients were followed-up until hospital discharge. No further patient characteristics were given. The key clinical endpoint was the fall rate.
Monetary benefit and utility valuations:
Not included.
Measure of benefit:
The summary benefit measure was the fall prevention rate, which was derived directly from the clinical trial.
Cost data:
The economic analysis included the cost of the LG1 system (including the device and nurse time spent responding to alerts), patient sitters, and treatment for a fall (including computed tomography scan). The resource quantities were derived from the clinical trial and the costs were derived from the hospital accounting system, but this was not explicitly stated. All costs were in US dollars ($) and the price year was not reported.
Analysis of uncertainty:
A Monte Carlo simulation was undertaken by assigning probability distributions to the model inputs. Deterministic one- and two-way sensitivity analyses were also carried out by varying the key model inputs, such as the length of stay (LOS), daily hospital cost, and use of patient sitters.