SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
[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
(Score: 2) by sjames on Monday August 03 2020, @12:34AM
Patents are pretty much world wide now. Other countries set limits on how much pharmaceutical companies can charge, the U.S. does not. Some use the threat of allowing generic production as a bludgeon to enforce the price limits. Others simply negotiate using the market power of a large pool of patients to keep prices in line.
You might want to look again at Germany. Although private options exist, it is for the most part socialized (77%)., There are also significant price controls.
The U.K. system's biggest problem seems to be monkey wrenching by conservatives that want to follow Trump off the cliff.Based on statistics and people I've talked to who have used it, it is not worse than in the U.S., but it is a lot less expensive.