ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF TOPICAL NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND MANAGEMENT
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2010 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://ewma2010.org/fileadmin/user_upload/EWMA/pdf/EWMA_2010_misc/AbstractBook_ENG_WEB_S.pdf |
| Field | Surgery incl. transplantology |
| Description | The clinical advantages of the TNP system involve the provision of a closed dressing allowing a moist healing environment which stimulates the formation of granulated tissue, reduces bacterial load and necrosis and hence reduces dehydration. The special filtration system provides comfort for the patient, reduces the number of dressing replacements and visits of attending personnel. Material and methods We compared the cost of the treatment of extensive wounds using TNP therapy and traditional wound care. We evaluated the length of treatment, pain levels (using a visual analogue scale) and the cost of equipment for TNP therapy as well as other equipment (e.g. involved in the dressing change etc.). We recorded changes in laboratory indicators, microbiological cultivations from wound swabs and the use of antibiotics. Our calculations are based on the costs that are specific for the Czech Republic. Results: Due to the fact that the use of TPN therapy is still very restricted, we were able to evaluate and analyze 15 cases, patients’ average age of 60.7. In our sample the wound contracted on average by 28.13% following the use of TNP therapy. The dressings were changed in an interval of 2-5 days, with the average of 4.2 days. The average price of one dressing change was Euro193. The daily cost of the TNP therapy equipment is Euro 44.65 which does not include personnel costs. In the course of the TPN therapy 60 % of the patients in our sample did not need to use antibiotics, laboratory results indicated only a colonized or contaminated wound. The patients suffered less pain, on 1-7 points of VAS they opted for the average of 2.3 and the length of treatment was shorter. Thus far we have not been able to compare the data we have for TNP therapy with data that would cover other types of wound care in identical cases. However, literature (Winberger, Milliman, Schwien et al.) shows that the costs of a single day of treatment using other than TNP therapy is up to 20% cheaper, however, the overall length of treatment when using TNP therapy is shortened by at least a third. Our results clearly indicate that TNP therapy is economical and more comfortable for patients. Our study proves the economic benefits of using the TNP system in hospital care. We should also point out that TNP systems are available for home care and these are of even better economic value as they involve savings on the hospitalization of a patient and personnel costs. However, thus far these have not been funded by Czech health insurance companies. |