Compared with the current practice of using standard mattresses on operating tables, the
intraoperative prevention strategy decreased the estimated intraoperative incidence of pressure ulcers by
0.51%, corresponding to a number-needed-to-treat of 196 patients. The average cost of using the
operating table overlay was $1.66 per patient. Compared with current practice, this intraoperative
prevention strategy would increase slightly the quality-adjusted life days of patients and by decreasing the
incidence of pressure ulcers, this strategy would decrease both hospital and home care costs for treating
fewer pressure ulcers originated intraoperatively. The cost savings was $46 per patient, which ranged
from $13 to $116 by different surgical populations. Intraoperative prevention was 99% likely to be more
cost effective than the current practice.