OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to conduct the first Cost Benefit (CBA) and Cost Effectiveness (CEA) analysis of Ultra-Violet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) technology in a Canadian health region. UVGI uses ultra violet light to irradiate environments in a biocidal manner to eliminate pathogens including Clostridium difficile (CDI) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

METHODS

A multi-year trial implemented UVGI technology across three hospital sites within a Canadian health region in 2016-2017. Rates of CDI and MRSA were observed and compared in the trial year and prior year across trial and non-trial sites. Change in trial sites' rates were adjusted for patient days across years, and for the change in rate in non-trial sites. A CBA was then conducted using cost savings calculated from the adjusted decrease in rates. A CEA was also conducted based on the expenditure required for the UVGI technology, and patient days avoided as well as CDI and MRSA cases avoided. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to account for differences in avoided CDI cost estimates, and purchasing vs. leasing costs of UVGI tech.

RESULTS

The CBA determined that over the 6 month trial period, the UVGI technology delivered between $165,194 and $415,905 in benefit based on the costs avoided through CDI and MRSA cases avoided. The CEA determined that $620 could be spent on the UVGI technology to avoid one bed day, $10,171 could be spent to avoid one case of CDI, and $29,301 could be spent to avoid one case of MRSA (assuming the technology was purchased).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the analyses suggest that the UVGI technology delivers value for money. However, there are several limitations to this research including potential regression to the mean bias. Additional research is recommended using pre and post implementation data.