An assessment of the impact of injuries due to assaults, gunshots and motor vehicle accidents on the admissions and costs of the Orthopaedic department at Addington hospital in Durban

Abstract

This research report examined the epidemiology of trauma in the orthopaedic ward at Addington hospital, Durban, over the year 2000. It also quantified the financial cost of trauma to this ward over the same period of time, using the “bottom up” costing method. The cost of trauma was also calculated using the “top down” method, as well as using tariff charges (used to bill patients with medical aid attending public hospitals). The overall cost of trauma to this ward for 2000 was found to be R5 440 964.20. A constant relationship was found between the costs as calculated using the three methods above.