Our study aim is to determine how a new clinical pathway, including PCR-based influenza point-ofcare test (POCT), influences the hospitalisation costs of patients suspected of influenza presenting... Show moreOur study aim is to determine how a new clinical pathway, including PCR-based influenza point-ofcare test (POCT), influences the hospitalisation costs of patients suspected of influenza presenting at the emergency department of a Dutch hospital during two consecutive influenza epidemics (2016- 2017 and 2017-2018). Compared to mean costs per patient of €3,661 in 2016-2017, the implementation of this new clinical pathway with influenza POCT in 2017 was associated with mean costs per influenza-positive patient of €2,495 in 2017-2018 (p=0.3). Our study suggests favourable economic results regarding a new clinical pathway with influenza POCT, reflecting a more efficient care of patients suspected of influenza presenting at the emergency department. Show less
