Nondrug costs of therapy in acute care--are they important?

Drug acquisition costs are only a proportion of the total costs associated with drug therapy. The relevance of these costs are often not appreciated. However, they impact on the Intensive Care Unit via resources and quality of care. Increased indirect care by medical and nursing staff has the potential to adversely affect patient outcome. Redirecting staff to their primary role and reducing indirect patient activities will increase quality and allow more patients to be treated. Costs and resources are increasingly important in health care provision.