Cost analysis of post abortion services at the Hospital General Aurelio Valdivieso Oaxaca Mexico

A study was conducted at the General Hospital Aurelio Valdivieso in Oaxaca Mexico to evaluate the impact of improved postabortal services on the cost of treatment. The program was initiated in February 1996. In collaboration with the Population Council the hospital established a service model including use of manual endouterine aspiration family planning counseling provision of contraceptive methods seminars and discussion groups for the obstetric and gynecological personnel and print media with basic information for patients. The study examined the hypothesis that the new model will result in more efficient use of available resources and a savings for the hospital while the quality of services is not affected or is improved. 11 patients were observed during 20 days in January 1996 to calculate pre-intervention costs and 25 patients were followed in July 1997 to calculate post-intervention costs. 132 patients were interviewed before the intervention and 207 were interviewed using the same instrument after the intervention. The average duration of hospital stay declined by 35% after the intervention. The cost of treatment per patient was reduced from US$264.57 before the intervention to US$180.22 after the intervention for a savings of US$94.25.