Poor Operative Cost Awareness in Vascular Surgeons

Objective: As healthcare expenditure increases, clinicians play a key role in controlling it. The extent to which Irish vascular surgeons understand the cost associated with procedures remains unclear. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the current knowledge and opinions of participants of health economics, and their awareness of the cost of commonly-used equipment. Methods: An online survey was circulated to Irish vascular consultants and trainees. Demographic information and the participants opinions regarding education and awareness of health economics were obtained. Respondents were asked to estimate the price of 16 commonly-used devices in vascular theatres. Estimates within 20% of the RRP were considered correct. Results: Of 23 respondents (61% registrars, 39% consultants), 60% had been practicing for less than 10 years. Any formal training in health economics was rare, with 96% of respondents never having received formal training and thus rating their knowledge of equipment cost as poor to average, but 65% reporting cost as an important factor in equipment choice. Surgeons correctly estimated only 15% of items. There was no difference in accuracy between consultants and registrars (12.5 ± 12% versus 17.3 ± 7%, p = .236). Those who participated in private practice were not more likely to estimate cost correctly (14.5 ± 12.8%, 16 ± 8%, p = .669). Participants overestimated the cost in 60% of cases. Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a lack of knowledge of costs among Irish vascular surgeons. Estimates varied widely among respondents, with overestimation being the most common response. More emphasis needs to be placed in educating surgeons in health economics to ensure cost effective care.