Analysis of the costs of implementing the new biosafety measures in the official Institutes of Medical and Dental Expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a viral disease associated with infection caused by the new coronavirus. Due to its transmission pattern, new biosafety measures were established. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to control the spread of the disease, including during the conduct of expert examinations at the Legal Medicine Institute (LMI). Objective: To analyze the costs of biosafety measures adopted from the pandemic of COVID-19 in the LMI of Brazil. Material and Method: The study consists of a partial economic evaluation of the microcurrency type. The collection was performed to estimate the direct costs incurred in adopting new biosafety standards, considering an LMI autopsy team. The perspective of the LMI manager was adopted and the practices recommended by REBRATS were followed. The cost estimate was calculated per shift. A more optimistic scenario (-20% of costs) and a more pessimistic scenario (+20% of costs) was also considered. Results: The total amount per shift ranged from R$ 106.93 to R$ 160.39 according to sensitivity analysis. It will be necessary to invest an average of R$ 100,000.00 annually for each LMI. Considering the employee's investment, in the absence of supply of PPE by the management, the average value per shift was R$ 57.62. Conclusion: The costs for adopting the new biosafety measures in the LMI during the COVID-19 pandemic are significant. Therefore, it is hoped that state governments can plan to provide decent working conditions, necessary to ensure the safety of the team and the adequate provision of the service.