Clinical and economic evaluation of rapid influenza A virus testing in nursing homes in Calgary, Canada

Deirdre L. Church*, H. Dele Davies, Craig Mitton, Heather Semeniuk, Melissa Logue, Colleen Maxwell, Cam Donaldson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The incremental benefits and costs of a rapid influenza A virus infection diagnostic service were studied in nursing homes in Calgary, Canada, during a single influenza season. The service was used to test 159 patients with suspected infection in a group of "experimental" nursing homes and results were compared with those for a group of "control" homes. An equal number of cases of influenza were identified in each group. Twenty-eight patients (17.6%) had confirmed cases, and 63 patients (39.6%) had probable cases. A rapid viral test result was provided much faster for patients in the experimental homes (P = .005). Both groups had the same median attack rate for influenza A virus. In experimental homes, the duration of the outbreak was shorter (P = .03), and the cost of laboratory testing and the total cost (less the hospital cost) tended to be lower (P< .2). The rapid testing service also tended to lower the overall use of resources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)790-795
Number of pages6
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume34
Issue number6
Early online date31 Jan 2002
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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