Pharmacoeconomic analysis of ethanol and benzalkonium chloride to prevent infections in dental facilities.

Abstract

Background: This paper describes pharmacoeconomic analysis of ethanol and benzalkonium chloride disinfectants used in dental institutions to prevent infections. Pathogens can be transmitted to patients via air, items, contact or vectors. The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of both disinfectants.

Methods: For pharmacoeconomic assessment, cost minimization analysis, cost benefit analysis (CBA), cost effectiveness analysis and cost utility analysis were performed. The cost of disinfectants used in hand disinfection of dental professionals is estimated to be 50 times higher when using ethanol. Compared monthly costs for disinfectants in surface disinfection are 18 times higher when using ethanol.

Results: Results of CBA imply 12 hours as annual time needed for performance of benzalkonium chloride disinfection, and 720 hours for ethanol. Reduction of pathogens on the examined surface after application of benzalkonium chloride was 99-99% for all tested pathogens. The application of the amount of benzalkonium chloride analogous to the cost of ethanol in dental facilities could eliminate the chance of nosocomial infections.

Conclusions: The cost-effectiveness of benzalkonium chloride leads to more agile recovery of the patient. Performed assessments lead to the conclusion that benzalkonium chloride is more efficient in dental facilities than ethanol. Utilization of benzalkonium chloride improves quality of life, significantly decreasing time spent for application and frequent reapplications of the disinfectant.