BACKGROUND:The cost of treatment for infectious shock in intensive care in Vietnam is unknown. METHODS:We prospectively investigated hospital bills for adults treated for septic and dengue shock in Vietnam and calculated the proportion who faced catastrophic health care expenditures. RESULTS:The median hospital bills were US$617 for septic shock (n=100) and US$57 for dengue shock (n=88). Catastrophic payments were incurred by 47% (47/100) and 13% (11/88) of patients with septic shock and dengue shock, respectively, and 56% (25/45) and 84% (5/6) fatal cases of septic shock and dengue shock respectively. CONCLUSIONS:Further advocacy is required to moderate insurance co-payments for costly critical care interventions.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
24/07/2019
Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, England.