Chronic wound care today
"Quality and cost effectiveness are not contradictions"
When it comes to chronic wound care, says Professor Heinz J Janssen of the Institute for Health and Nursing Economics (IGP) at Bremen University of Applied Sciences, cost effectiveness and quality are not contradictions.
In Germany, eight billion euros are spent annually on chronic wound care. A current cost-benefit analysis at the Wound Centre Bremen, in partnership with the research institute, shows that, compared with conventional wound care products, today’s products can substantially save on materials and personnel costs. And this, Prof Janssen points out, even applies to the long-term care of patients with large chronic wounds.
Whilst conventional wound care uses mostly dry dressings, today’s hydro-active wound dressings regulate wound moisture content, thereby optimising conditions for local wound healing. ‘Our comparative study has shown that materials and personnel costs decrease by up to 43% through modern wound management. This results in an annual savings potential of 3.5 billion euros.’ The shortened treatment time not only reduces healthcare spending but also increases quality of life for patients and ends their ‘patient status’, which traditionally had involved further direct and indirect costs.
The study also found a significant impact on patient compliance affecting wound healing, as well as the well-being of patients. A comprehensive diagnostic and therapy approach results in improvements in compliance.
Trained wound management experts, who are not only specialised in providing basic medical and nursing care, are further cornerstones of healthcare improvements and costs, the study shows.
‘Cost effectiveness and quality are not contradictions but central evaluation parameters of medical and technological progress,’ Prof Janssen concludes.
20.11.2008
