Objectives: To estimate the actual cost savings that could be achieved through reductions in
intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation by determining
the short-run marginal variable cost of an ICU and ventilator day. Research Design:
Retrospective cohort study in a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Subjects: All patients
receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU for more than 48 hours (n= 1778) from July 1,
2005 to June 30, 2006. Measures: The hospital's administrative and cost databases were …