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posted by martyb on Friday July 31 2020, @05:22AM   Printer-friendly
from the dollars-and-sense dept.

Putting Copper in Hospitals:

[Copper] does this by leaching electrons from bacteria, which causes a charge to build up inside the cell which ultimately leads to free radical formation and cell death. Many studies have now shows that the microbial burden on copper surfaces is reduced by 80% compared to traditional surfaces. When used on frequently touched surfaces in hospitals, this can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria hanging around. Another study showed that the total reduction in bacteria from a copper alloy surface was 99.9% (compared to baseline, not to control surfaces). In controlled studies, copper surfaces work as advertised – they kill bacteria and viruses.

But does this actually reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs, also called health care associated infections)? The answer is yes. A 2017 systematic review of studies found that introducing copper surface in the hospital reduced HAIs by 25%.

[...] This will require a significant investment by hospitals – replacing beds, serving trays, tables, rails, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces. [...] The estimated cost of the most common HAIs is around $10 billion per year in the US. This cost is often absorbed by the hospital. This is because reimbursement for hospital stays is often determined by DRGs – diagnostic related groups. Hospitals are paid by insurance companies based upon the patient's diagnosis. If a patient is admitted for pneumonia, the hospital gets paid a fixed amount which represents the average cost of treating pneumonia. If the patient does well and is discharged quickly, the hospital makes money. If they do not do well and have complications and a prolonged stay, the hospital loses money. This provides a good financial incentive for hospitals to provide efficient and effective care, and minimize complications.

Previously:
(2020-07-19) Laser-Textured Metal Surfaces Kill Bacteria Faster


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  • (Score: 2) by Unixnut on Saturday August 01 2020, @07:39PM

    by Unixnut (5779) on Saturday August 01 2020, @07:39PM (#1029974)

    Yes, indeed. They are drawn to power. It is not a communist or capitalist "fault", which is why I responded to this thread in the first place. If someone thinks "Socialism" will rescue them from such people, they are horribly mistaken.

    Socioeconomic systems cannot alter human nature. No matter what system humans design, other humans will exploit for their own benefit.

    At least in Capitalism its obvious, and I can more or less avoid them. No pretending they are really working in your best interest, or for some higher cause. They are out to make more money than you, simple.

    Avoiding high ranking members of the "party" is infinitely harder, especially if they feel like making your life a living hell just for the fun of a power trip. Being more authoritarian in nature (the whole "Dictatorship of the proletariat" bit) means you are going to be in a far worse situation when you come across such people.

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