Title | The cost of home air-fluidized therapy for pressure sores. A randomized controlled trial. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1991 |
Authors | Strauss, MJ, Gong, J, Gary, BD, Kalsbeek, WD, Spear, S |
Journal | The Journal of family practice |
Volume | 33 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 52-9 |
Date Published | 1991 Jul |
ISSN | 0094-3509 |
Keywords | Aged, Beds, Costs and Cost Analysis, Female, Health Resources, Home Care Services, Hospitals, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care), Pressure Ulcer, Safety |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Recurrent pressures sores are a serious problem that often cause chronically ill patients to be hospitalized. We hypothesized that home air-fluidized bed therapy may be a safe and effective way to treat these patients, thus avoiding the costs of hospitalization. METHODS: One hundred twelve patients with 3rd or 4th stage pressure sores were randomly assigned to 36 weeks of either (1) home air-fluidized bed therapy that included the services of a visiting nurse specialist as long as the patient had 3rd or 4th stage sores, or (2) conventional therapy. RESULTS: Compared with patients in the control group, patients receiving air-fluidized bed therapy spent fewer days in the hospital (11.4 days vs 25.5 days, P less than .01) and used fewer total inpatient resources, as reflected both in charges ($13,263 vs $25,736, P less than .05) and in Medicare DRG and physician payments ($6,646 vs $12,131, P less than .05). Total resources used (inpatient and outpatient) were lower for patients treated with air-fluidized bed therapy, but the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical outcomes were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Home air-fluidized bed therapy is safe, reduces hospitalizations, is no more costly than alternative therapy, and allows the patients to receive their needed care in a more desirable, nonhospital setting. |
Alternate Journal | J Fam Pract |
PubMed ID | 2056290 |