A systematic review comparing the safety, cost and carbon footprint of disposable and reusable laparoscopic devices

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this systematic review of the literature is to compare a selection of currently utilized disposable and reusable laparoscopic medical devices in terms of safety (1st criteria), cost and carbon footprint.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search was carried out on electronic databases for articles published up until 6 May 2022. The eligible works were prospective (randomized or not) or retrospective clinical or medical-economic comparative studies having compared disposable scissors, trocars, and mechanical endoscopic staplers to the same instruments in reusable. Two different independent examiners extracted the relevant data.

RESULTS

Among the 2882 articles found, 156 abstracts were retained for examination. After comprehensive analysis concerning the safety and effectiveness of the instruments, we included four articles. A study on trocars highlighted increased vascular complications with disposable instruments, and another study found more perioperative incidents with a hybrid stapler as opposed to a disposable stapler. As regards cost analysis, we included 11 studies, all of which showed significantly higher costs with disposable instruments. The results of the one study on carbon footprints showed that hybrid instruments leave four times less of a carbon footprint than disposable instruments.

CONCLUSION

The literature on the theme remains extremely limited. Our review demonstrated that from a medical and economic standpoint, reusable medical instruments, particularly trocars, presented appreciable advantages. While there exist few data on the ecological impact, those that do exist are unmistakably favorable to reusable instruments.

A Positive-Pressure Environment Disposable Shield (PEDS) for COVID-19 Health Care Worker Protection

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained health care system resources and reduced the availability of life-sustaining and medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) though the combination of increased demand and disrupted manufacturing supply chains. As a result of these shortages, many health care providers have temporarily used largely untested, improvised PPE (iPPE). Lack of quality control for makeshift PPE and frequent repurposing of used items to conserve supplies increase both the risk of provider infection and nosocomial spread to uninfected patients. One strategy to reduce risk of infection and preserve existing equipment is the implementation of secondary barrier devices placed directly over patients or providers. The authors describe an inexpensive, disposable, positive-pressure head isolation unit that can be rapidly constructed from materials readily available in nearly all health care settings for under five US dollars. The unit was successfully deployed in Taiwan during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. The iPPE worn directly by the health care workers (HCWs) can be donned prior to patient contact in the presence of an air source. This strategy may be more protective than a covering placed over the patient in an aerosol-generating environment, which requires the HCW to be in close contact with the patient prior to securing the protective device.

Switching to Single-use Flexible Ureteroscopes for Stones Management: Financial Impact and Solutions to Reduce the Cost Over a 5-Year Period

OBJECTIVES

To assess the financial impact of switching to single-use ureteroscopes (sURS) in urolithiasis management for a hospital, over a 5-year period, and to identify possible solutions to contain or reduce it.

METHODS

A Budget Impact (BI) model was designed for a public hospital performing around 200 ureteroscopies or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsies per year. The BI was estimated as the difference between financial balances (between costs and revenues) of 2 environments (with and without sURS). The population was defined as adults treated for urolithiasis. The BI model was based on assumptions about the expected progression in the incidence of urolithiasis, and the expected change in clinical practices due to the availability of sURS. We considered the costs and revenues of hospital stays, the purchase price of sURS and the costs of digital or fiberoptic reusable ureteroscopes (rURS). Univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The cumulative 5-year financial impact of switching completely to sURS was €807,824 and €649,677 in comparison with fiberoptic and digital rURS respectively. This impact could be reduced by half or more if the health-care facility were to adopt different solutions, including negotiating the purchase price of sURS, developing outpatient activity and reducing production costs for ureteroscopy procedures.

CONCLUSION

The BI model gives decision-makers a more accurate picture of the financial impact of switching to sURS and highlights ways to reduce the expected additional cost.

Analysing actual prices of medical products: a cross-sectional survey of Dutch hospitals

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether there is a difference between the net prices of medical products used by Dutch hospitals and, if there is, how this difference can be explained.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional self-administered electronic survey.

SETTING

We surveyed the prices paid for 17 commonly used medical products, such as pacemakers, gloves and stents in 38 Dutch hospitals (including general, specialised and academic hospitals) in 2017. Hospitals voluntarily and anonymously provided these data and received a personalised free benchmark tool in return. This tool provides information about the variance in prices of the medical products they buy.

PARTICIPANTS

38 out of 79 hospitals entered and completed the study.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Actual price paid excluding Value Added Tax (VAT) per item, the order size per year, total spending for an assortment group and total spending for all products purchased from a specific supplier were measured.

RESULTS

We found large price variations for the medical products surveyed (average coefficient of variation of 71%). In general, these differences were hard to explain (average R² of 26%). Only purchasing volume (for 8 out of 17 products) was significantly associated with the net price paid by a hospital. Total spending for an assortment group (in euros with a specific supplier) and total spending (for all products in euros with a specific supplier) were not related to the net price paid.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that only purchasing volume is associated with lower prices paid. Total spending for an assortment group and total spending for all products purchased from a specific supplier are not. These results are in stark contrast to expectations based on economic theory. Other sources of differences in bargaining power might explain these findings. Further research might involve comparing prices across countries.

Can a simple 'cost-awareness' campaign for laparoscopic hysterectomy change the use and costs of disposable surgical supplies? Pre-post non-controlled study

OBJECTIVES

Does a cost-awareness campaign for gynaecologists lead to a change in use and costs of disposable surgical supplies for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) without increasing hospital utilisation measures (operating room (OR) time or hospital length of stay (LOS))?

DESIGN

Pre-post non-controlled study. The OR database was used to identify relevant cases before and after the cost-awareness intervention, and provided information on quantity of each supply item, operative details and LOS.

SETTING

Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

12 laparoscopic trained gynaecologists (7 female, 5 male) participated in both phases of the study. Eligible surgical cases were all LH cases for any indication for women aged ≥18 years. 201 cases were undertaken before the intervention (2011-2013) and 229 cases after the intervention (2016-2017).

INTERVENTION

The cost-awareness intervention for gynaecologists included site meetings and rounds providing information on costs of disposable and reusable instruments, a full day skills lab, OR posters about cost and effectiveness of disposable and reusable surgical supplies and demonstrations of reusable equipment (2015-2016).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Disposable supplies costs per case (standardised for 2016 unit costs).

RESULTS

There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction (unadjusted) in disposable supplies cost per case for LH between cases before and after the intervention: from $C1073, SD 281, to $C943 SD 209. Regression analysis found that the adjusted cost per case after the intervention was $C116 lower than before the intervention (95% CI -160 to -71). Neither OR time nor hospital LOS differed significantly between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that cost-awareness campaigns may be associated with reduction in the cost of surgery for LH. However, many other factors may have contributed to this cost reduction, possibly including other local initiatives to reduce costs and emerging evidence indicating lack of effectiveness of some surgical practices.

Use of mechanically powered disposable negative pressure wound therapy: recommendations and reimbursement update

Use of ultra-portable, mechanically powered disposable negative pressure wound therapy (dNPWT) has grown as an adjunctive modality to manage wounds in outpatient care and to expedite transition of inpatients to an outpatient setting. This technology has demonstrated similar efficacy and usability for mobile outpatients when compared with electrically powered negative pressure wound therapy devices. It was designed for patients with smaller, low to moderately exudating wounds and does not require batteries or a power source. However, very few studies address best practices for using dNPWT in a variety of wound types. There is a need for comprehensive clinical recommendations to better direct clinicians and patients in using this therapy. In addition, it is critical that providers are knowledgeable about processes for obtaining reimbursement for placement of dNPWT since codes and procedures differ drastically from standard NPWT. A panel meeting of experts with a high level of experience with dNPWT in varied wound types was convened to develop clinical recommendations and summarize current US reimbursement coding guidelines for the use of dNPWT. This publication summarizes the recommendations from panel members, in addition to supporting evidence, to help guide appropriate use of dNPWT. Panel recommendations regarding optimal patient and wound selection, wound preparation, proper patient training, and use of dNPWT in various wound types are included as well as clinical techniques for dressing application, bridging under offloading devices and compression, maintaining a seal, and protecting intact skin. Processes and codes for obtaining reimbursement for dNPWT are reviewed by care setting. Clinical recommendations and reimbursement guidelines summarized in this publication are meant to provide direction to clinicians in using dNPWT that potentially could translate into improved clinical and economic value.

Urologists' estimations of the cost of commonly used disposable devices

INTRODUCTION

To assess whether urologists are able to accurately estimate the cost of commonly used endourologic disposable devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anonymous questionnaire was presented to resident and attending urologists in one academic healthcare system. Respondents estimated the cost of 15 disposable devices commonly used in ureteroscopy. Twenty-five surgeons (9 resident and 16 attending urologists) participated for a response rate of 96.2%. Respondents' cost estimates were compared to actual institutional costs and considered accurate if the absolute percentage error was within 20%. Additional information obtained included: years in practice, participation in purchasing activities, practice setting, number of ureteroscopy procedures performed monthly, degree of confidence in ability to estimate cost, and the importance of cost in device selection for each respondent.

RESULTS

Of 375 total responses, 62 (16.5%) were accurate, 308 (82.1%) were inaccurate, and 5 (1.3%) were unanswered. The mean percentage error (MPE) for all responses was 178.8% (IQR 35.1%-211.4%). Overall, 73% of responses were overestimations and 27% were underestimations. Residents had an MPE of 128.4%, while attending urologists had an MPE of 207.8%. The most inaccurately estimated cost was for an endoscopic y-adapter, while the most accurate estimations were for a 1.5Fr nitinol ureteroscopic stone basket.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither attending nor resident urologists are able to accurately estimate the cost of commonly used disposable devices. Improving urologists' understanding of device costs is necessary for improved cost control and a reduction in healthcare expenditures.

Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) for Molecular Kinetics with a Low-Cost, Disposable Fluidic Cartridge

The determination of kinetic information and appropriate binding pairs is fundamental to the proper optimization and selection of ligands used in immunoassays, diagnostics, and therapeutics. However, the ability to estimate such parameters in a multiplexed and inexpensive format remains difficult and modification of the ligand is often necessary. Here, we detail the methods and materials necessary to evaluate hundreds of unlabeled ligands simultaneously using the interferometric reflectance imaging sensor (IRIS). The incorporation of a low-cost fluidic cartridge that integrates on the top of the sensor simplifies reagent handling considerably.

Cost awareness of disposable surgical equipment and strategies for improvement: cross sectional survey and literature review

A significant healthcare funding gap has been predicted over the coming years. NHS England has made transparency and cost efficiency a key priority. Healthcare technology accounts for a large portion of healthcare expenditure. The aim of the study was to establish the cost awareness of theatre staff for disposable surgical equipment and to review the current evidence around improving cost awareness. A cross sectional survey was performed. A questionnaire was distributed to consultants, registrars, core surgical trainees and theatre scrub practitioners within an NHS foundation trust and analysed using Microsoft excel 2010. Following the results, which indicated poor cost awareness amongst theatre staff, a literature review was performed to identify strategies to improving cost awareness in healthcare. The results showed that only 22% of all participants (n = 48) were able to estimate cost correctly. There was no significant difference in cost accuracy between surgeons or scrub practitioners. Strategies for improvement in cost awareness were identified. A lack of cost awareness was identified amongst theatre healthcare professionals for common disposable surgical equipment. This is an area which must improve through the use of proven strategies such as national programs, education, visible pricing and price feedback, as highlighted in this paper.

[A comparative cost analysis of single-use versus reusable fiberoptic bronchoscopes: Is single-use fiberscope worth it?]

OBJECTIVE

To present a minimization-cost analysis to compare reusable and single-use fiberscopes in a French health institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The amortization cost assessment has been achieved over a period of five years, and took into account the acquisition and maintenance costs, as well as the costs related to disinfection of reusable fiberscopes. The cost of single-use fiberscopes was calculated according to its acquisition and elimination costs. Finally, we compared the costs of single-use vs. reusable use during nights, weekends and days off to estimate the additional cost of the referencing of single-use fiberscopes for theses specific periods.

RESULTS

The total cost of reusable fiberscopes was 62,511 € including VAT over 5 years whereas the cost of single-use fiberscope was 79,200 € including VAT over 5 years. The total cost of single-use fiberscopes if utilized during nights, weekends and days off was estimated to 19,800 € including VAT over 5 years, with an estimated activity at 15 intubations per year. Conversely, the cost of the utilization of reusable fiberscopes during nights, weekends and days off was estimate to 13,075 € including VAT over 5 years.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the utilization costs of single use and reusable fiberscopes are very close. But because of the benefits of single-use fiberscopes and according to current recommendations, we consider to acquire single-use fiberscope especially for emergencies such as difficult tracheal intubation and for restrictive periods (nights, weekends and day off).

Practical Aspects for Cost Reduction in Hospital Infection Control

Nosocomial infections consume a significant amount of the total hospital budget. This article describes some practical aspects for cost reduction in hospital infection control. Within one year total savings of 91.000 DM* could be achieved by discontinuing unnecessary disinfection procedures. Within six years 2,27 million DM could be saved by discontinuing unnecessary infection control procedures or employing cheaper methods. Of the total antibiotic costs 25% can be reduced by certain measures.

Strategies to reduce wound dressing waste

Inappropriate use of dressing supplies and the amount of unused, unopened dressings, often stockpiled in patient rooms and discarded upon patient discharge begs the question about the environmental impact of this common practice. Thousands of dollars could be saved each year if nurses placed more emphasis on prevention and education, and addressed wound care in a standardized way that blends cost-effectiveness with evidence-based practice.

The use of energy devices for thyroid surgical procedures. Harmonic Focus versus Biclamp 150

BACKGROUND

Thyroidectomy is the most frequently performed endocrine surgery, and in recent years, the surgical instruments and techniques used in this surgery have greatly evolved. New devices are created to facilitate dissection, haemostasis increasing the intraoperative cost.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We prospectively examined patients undergoing to traditional thyroidectomy using reusable vs disposable devices (BiClamp 150, ERBE ® - group A vs. Harmonic Focus, ETHICON® - group B). The patients were treated for benign and malignant diseases from two experienced surgeons. The two groups were separated based on age, sex, skin-to-skin operative time, the number of parathyroid glands identified by the surgeon during the operation, preand post-operative serum calcium levels evaluated with PTH until 24 hours after surgery, the mean hospital stay, the evaluation of the content of the drainages at 6 hours and 24 hours, and the thyroid gland volume calculated via ultrasound preoperatively. The patients were asked to complete a form at 24 hours post-op to self-evaluate dysphagia to liquids and pain on a scale from 0 to 10.

RESULTS

The patients analysed were 80 pts. Analysis of the data showed no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, (p = 0:48), or gender, 9 males and 31 females in group A and 8 males and 32 females in group B.The thyroid volume (in ml), calculated on the basis of preoperative ultrasonography, was 43.89 ± 37.10 in group A vs. 54.54 ± 51.92 in group B (p = 0.35). The skin-to-skin operative time was equal to 50.16 ± 10.43 min.vs. 52.39 ± 11:54 min.(p = 0.36) in groups A and B, respectively. No statistically significant differences in pre e postoperative calcium levels. The amount of drainage at 6 hours after surgery was 16.63 ± 15.24ml. in group A and 23.72 ± 21.93ml. in group B (p = 0.07). At 24 hours after surgery, the amount was 57.84 ± 32.56ml. in group A and 66.79 ± 39.94ml. in group B (p = 0.28). For group A and group B, we analysed dysphagia for liquids on a scale from 0 to 10 (4.5 ± 2.35 vs. 4.18 ± 2.4, p = 0.48, respectively), alterations in patients' tone of voice (1.97 ± 2.51 vs. 1.43 ± 0:48, p = 0.29, respectively), and postoperative pain at 24 hours after surgery (2.76 ± 1.99 vs. 2.68 ± 2.12, p = 0.87, respectively). The average cost for group A was equal to € 25 × 40 = 1000 vs. € 450 × 40 = 18000 for Group B. The hospital stay in days was equal to 1.70 ± 0.46 (Group A) vs. 1.66 ± 0.53 (Group B) (p = 0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

One limitation of the current study is its small sample size. Both devices are effective and safe for total thyroidectomy because they have similar effects on the operative time, postoperative bleeding and patient outcomes in endocrine experienced surgical team. On the other hand, in a time of the spending review and the standardisation of surgical techniques to ensure the highest quality of services offered, the BiClamp is a viable alternative tool with a high security standard and low cost that offers significant savings to the health care system.

KEY WORDS

Energy devices, Health care, Thyroidectomy.

A cost evaluation methodology for surgical technologies

OBJECTIVE

To create and validate a micro-costing methodology that surgeons and hospital administrators can use to evaluate the cost of implementing innovative surgical technologies.

METHODS

Our analysis is broken down into several elements of fixed and variable costs which are used to effectively and easily calculate the cost of surgical operations. As an example of application, we use data from 86 robot assisted gastric bypass operations made in our hospital. To validate our methodology, we discuss the cost reporting approaches used in 16 surgical publications with respect to 7 predefined criteria.

RESULTS

Four formulas are created which allow users to import data from their health system or particular situation and derive the total cost. We have established that the robotic surgical system represents 97.53 % of our operating room's medical device costs which amounts to $4320.11. With a mean surgery time of 303 min, personnel cost per operation amounts to $1244.73, whereas reusable instruments and disposable costs are, respectively, $1539.69 and $3629.55 per case. The literature survey demonstrates that the cost of surgery is rarely reported or emphasized, and authors who do cover this concept do so with variable methodologies which make their findings difficult to interpret.

CONCLUSION

Using a micro-costing methodology, it is possible to identify the cost of any new surgical procedure/technology using formulas that can be adapted to a variety of operations and healthcare systems. We hope that this paper will provide guidance for decision makers and a means for surgeons to harmonise cost reporting in the literature.

Impact of initiating insulin glargine disposable pen versus vial/syringe on real-world glycemic outcomes and persistence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a large managed care plan: a claims database analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes accounts for almost 15% of all direct healthcare expenditures. Managed care organizations try to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Increasing patient persistence with antidiabetes treatment could help achieve these goals.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted using the Optum Research Database (Optum, Eden Prairie, MN) to analyze clinical and economic outcomes associated with initiation of insulin glargine via a disposable pen (GLA-P) or vial and syringe (GLA-V) among adult, insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Propensity-matched patient cohorts were assessed for persistence with insulin therapy, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), hypoglycemic events (based on diagnosis codes), and healthcare costs (total paid amount of adjudicated claims) after follow-up at 1 year.

RESULTS

In 1,308 matched patients, persistence was significantly higher (P=0.011) and longer (P=0.001) with GLA-P. Follow-up A1C values were significantly lower (P=0.038), and decreases in A1C from baseline significantly larger (P=0.043), in GLA-P than in GLA-V. Significantly fewer hypoglycemic events (P=0.042) were experienced, and a lower rate of diabetes-related inpatient admissions (P=0.008) was reported in GLA-P than GLA-V. Despite higher study drug costs with GLA-P than GLA-V, all-cause and diabetes-related healthcare costs were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In insulin-naive patients with T2DM, initiation of insulin glargine using the disposable pen rather than the vial and syringe is associated with higher persistence, better A1C control, and lower rates of hypoglycemia. The higher study drug costs associated with pen use do not increase total all-cause or diabetes-related healthcare costs. This may help treatment selection for patients with T2DM in a managed care setting.

Exploring portable negative pressure wound therapy devices in the community

Case studies and clinical reviews support the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for managing a range of wound types, yet very few scientific studies fully support its effectiveness. However, it has been argued that NPWT can provide excellent symptom management, reduce the frequency of dressing changes and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional wound therapies due to faster healing times, leading to a reduction in overall treatment costs. Use of NPWT within community environments is increasing as length of hospital in-patient stay decreases, and many patients who would have traditionally been admitted to an acute setting with a complex or highly exuding wound are now managed by community nurses. This article presents a narrative review of NPWT, identifies safety precautions that require consideration and explores the application of smaller/disposable NPWT systems that are now available.

The association between use of mealtime insulin pens versus vials and healthcare charges and resource utilization in patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare all-cause and diabetes-related resource utilization and healthcare charges among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who initiated therapy with mealtime insulin disposable pens or vials.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Innovus inVision database from January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2010. Generalized linear models with a gamma distribution and log link estimated the association between medical charges and use of mealtime insulin pens vs vials in the 1 year post-index date, while generalized linear models with a negative binomial distribution estimated resource utilization.

RESULTS

Controlling for patient characteristics, general health, and patient copayments, insulin therapy initiation with disposable pens, compared to vials, was associated with significantly fewer all-cause hospitalizations (1.45 vs. 1.66; p < 0.0001) as well as a significantly shorter hospital length of stay (2.16 days vs. 3.53 days; p < 0.0001). Pen use, compared to vials, was also associated with significantly fewer diabetes-related hospitalizations (1.36 vs. 1.47; p < 0.0001), and shorter hospital length of stay (1.12 days vs. 1.72 days; p < 0.0001). Despite higher diabetes-related drug charges ($3593 vs. $2755; p < 0.0001) associated with the use of pens, results showed significantly lower all-cause total healthcare charges ($42,150 vs. $53,340; p < 0.0001) and significantly lower diabetes-related total healthcare charges ($12,722 vs. $14,540; p < 0.0001) for patients who initiated therapy on mealtime insulin with pens compared to vials.

LIMITATIONS

Data were drawn from administrative claims and included only patients with medical and outpatient prescription drug benefit coverage. Hence, the results may not be generalizable. The retrospective analyses relied on diagnostic codes to identify patients, assess patient general health, and determine other values, rather than formal, clinical assessments. The analyses did not include indirect healthcare costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of mealtime insulin via disposable pens, compared to vials, was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and diabetes-related resource utilization and total healthcare charges.

Microbial colonization of electrocardiographic telemetry systems before and after cleaning

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms are commonly associated with longer hospital stays up to 12 to 18 days and annual estimated costs of $5.7 billion to $6.8 billion. One common mode of transmission is cross-contamination between patients and providers via surface contaminants on devices such as telemetry systems.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of a cleaning protocol on colonization of surface contaminants on electrocardiographic telemetry systems in 4 cardiovascular step-down units and to compare colonization in medical vs surgical units.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, case-controlled study (the Descriptive Evaluation of Electrocardiographic Telemetry Pathogens [DEET] study) was designed to evaluate microbial colonization on telemetry systems before and after cleaning with sodium hypochlorite wipes. Each randomly selected telemetry system served as its own control. Nurses used a standardized culture technique recommended by personnel in infection control. Colonization before and after cleaning was analyzed by using the McNemar test and frequency tables. A standard cost-comparison analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 30 telemetry systems in medical units and 29 in surgical units were evaluated; 41 telemetry systems (69%) were colonized before the intervention, and 14 (24%) were colonized after it (P < .001). Before cleaning, surface organisms were present in 14 instances (35%) in surgical units and in 27 instances (66%) in medical units (P < .001). The cleaning strategy was cost-effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The cleaning intervention was effective, and cost-comparison analysis supported implementing a cleaning strategy for reusable leads rather than investing in disposable leads.

Real-world rates, predictors, and associated costs of hypoglycemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin glargine: results of a pooled analysis of six retrospective observational studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the real-world rates of hypoglycemia and related costs among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who initiated insulin glargine with either a disposable pen or vial-and-syringe.

METHODS

Pooled data were evaluated from six previously published, retrospective, observational studies using US health plan insurance claims databases to investigate adults with T2DM who initiated insulin glargine. The current study evaluated baseline characteristics, hypoglycemic events, and costs during the 6 months prior to and 12 months following insulin glargine initiation. Comparisons were made between patients initiating treatment with a disposable pen (GLA-P) and vial-and-syringe (GLA-V). Multivariate analyses using baseline characteristics as covariates determined predictors of hypoglycemia after initiating insulin glargine.

RESULTS

This study included 23,098 patients (GLA-P: 14,911; GLA-V: 8187). Overall annual prevalence of hypoglycemia was low (6.3% overall, 2.2% related to hospital admission or emergency department visit). Prevalence was significantly lower with GLA-P (5.5% vs 7.7%; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, average glycated hemoglobin HbA1c reduction was higher with GLA-P (-1.22% vs -0.86%; p = 0.0012). The average annual hypoglycemia-related cost associated with initiating insulin glargine was $293, with GLA-P being 46% lower than GLA-V ($225 vs $417; p = 0.001). Patients who had already developed microvascular complications at the time of initiating insulin therapy were at higher risk for developing hypoglycemia.

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by the use of retrospective data and ICD-9-CM codes, which are subject to coding error. In addition, this pooled analysis used unmatched cohorts, with multivariate regression analyses employed to adjust for between-group differences. Finally, results describe a managed care sample and cannot be generalized to all patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2DM initiating insulin glargine treatment showed low rates of hypoglycemia, especially when using a disposable pen device. Hypoglycemia-related costs were low, contributing a very small proportion to overall diabetes-related healthcare costs.

The green operating room: simple changes to reduce cost and our carbon footprint

Generating over four billion pounds of waste each year, the healthcare system in the United States is the second largest contributor of trash with one-third produced by operating rooms. Our objective is to assess improvement in waste reduction and recycling after implementation of a Green Operating Room Committee (GORC) at our institution. A surgeon and nurse-initiated GORC was formed with members from corporate leadership, nursing, anesthesia, and OR staff. Initiatives for recycling opportunities, reduction of energy and water use as well as solid waste were implemented and the results were recorded. Since formation of GORC in 2008, our OR has diverted 6.5 tons of medical waste. An effort to recycle all single-use devices was implemented with annual solid waste reduction of approximately 12,860 lbs. Disposable OR foam padding was replaced with reusable gel pads at greater than $50,000 per year savings. Over 500 lbs of previously discarded batteries were salvaged from the OR and donated to charity or redistributed in the hospital ($9,000 annual savings). A "Power Down" initiative to turn off all anesthesia and OR lights and equipment not in use resulted in saving $33,000 and 234.3 metric tons of CO2 emissions reduced per year. Converting from soap to alcohol-based waterless scrub demonstrated a potential saving of 2.7 million liters of water annually. Formation of an OR committee dedicated to ecological initiatives can provide a significant opportunity to improve health care's impact on the environment and save money.

Reducing waste in the critical care setting

BACKGROUND

The ICU at London Health Sciences Centre-University Hospital (LHSC-UH) is a 40-bed critical care unit that contains two separate supply rooms that carry all the essential materials necessary for patient care. However, considering the patient acuity in critical care, it is vital that this equipment is made more accessible for practitioners at the bedside. Therefore, nurse servers or bedside supply cabinets are present in each of the patient rooms. While these servers provide timely access to the supplies essential for nursing care, they are also a huge source of waste. When patients who are identified as having antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) are discharged, numerous unused items are discarded for infection control purposes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Project objectives were to curtail waste by minimizing stocked supplies at the bedside, exploring alternative stocking options and increasing awareness of this issue with practitioners.

METHODS

An interprofessional team was formed consisting of registered nurses, support service workers, environmental service workers, infection control practitioners and critical care leadership. A cost analysis of discarded supplies was undertaken, and results were communicated to all staff. Infection control practitioners developed guidelines specific to use of the nurse servers and linen supply areas. The stocking process and contents of the servers were reviewed; surplus was removed and relocated to a close central area outside patient rooms. Following agreement on new server contents, lists and photos were created and posted in each supply room. New stocking guidelines were phased in gradually and were adapted according to user feedback.

RESULTS

Over a two-week period, a pilot cost analysis identified that supplies valued at $2,327.25 had been discarded from five bedsides. Future long-term cost savings will enable management to redirect such resources and therefore improve other essential care services in the ICU.

CONCLUSION

Increasing awareness of wasteful stocking practices facilitated the engagement of this CQI project. New stocking practices have greatly reduced waste and increased service efficiencies while maintaining the integrity of optimal patient care.

Single-use cutting blocks and trials lower costs in primary total knee arthroplasty

Because total knee arthroplasty is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures, it is important that the medical community continually strive for cost reductions. This prospective controlled trial aimed to determine if cost decreases could be achieved in non-navigated and navigated procedures by replacing traditional saws, cutting blocks, and trials with a specialized single-use system. Costs were lowered by an estimated $140.00-220.00 per surgery as a result of fewer instrument trays being reprocessed, and an estimated $75.00-330.00 per instrument case due to a 10-24-minute time savings during tray rewrapping. This study has positive financial implications for patients, hospitals, institutions, and third-party carriers.

A real-world study of patients with type 2 diabetes initiating basal insulins via disposable pens

INTRODUCTION

Real-world data comparing outcomes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients initiating different insulin regimens can help with treatment decisions and patient management. Clinical and economic outcomes following initiation with insulin glargine disposable pen (GLA-P) or insulin detemir disposable pen (DET-P) in T2DM patients were compared over 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on data in a US national managed care claims database (July 2006 to September 2010) from patients initiating insulin treatment with GLA-P or DET-P. Treatment persistence, adherence, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), hypoglycemic events, and healthcare costs during follow-up were compared.

RESULTS

In all, 1682 patients were identified; 1016 (60.4%) started using GLA-P, 666 (39.6%) started using DET-P. After 1:1 propensity score matching, each cohort comprised 640 patients. Patients initiating GLA-P were significantly more likely to persist and adhere to treatment, and used a lower daily consumption dose. Over the last quarter of follow-up, fewer GLA-P users switched to DET-P compared with those switching from DET-P to GLA-P. GLA-P was associated with lower A1C levels and higher reduction of A1C levels from baseline, with no significant difference in the number of patients having hypoglycemic events. Patients in both cohorts had similar total and diabetes-related healthcare costs, but healthcare costs were lower in the GLA-P cohort for each 1% reduction in A1C from baseline.

CONCLUSION

This real-world study demonstrates that patients initiating GLA-P were more likely to persist with and adhere to treatment, with better glycemic control and similar overall hypoglycemia rate at no increase in healthcare cost.

Analysis of the injection force of solostar® compared with other disposable insulin pen devices at constant volume flow rates

Insulin pen devices have greatly enhanced the portability and accessibility to insulin therapy for millions of people with diabetes. Comparison research data should be reviewed thoroughly. In this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, the study presented by Thomas van der Burg is balanced in number of samples tested, same tensile meter, and identical units per second delivery rate into an open beaker. Mean plateau force of SoloSTAR® and KwikPen™ were significantly lower. KwikPen and SoloSTAR utilized 5-mm length 31-gauge (G) needles vs 6-mm 31G needles for FlexPen® and Next Generation FlexPen®, perhaps skewing results in favor of shorter needles instead of device design. Individual understanding of correct insulin use, appropriate self-monitoring of blood glucose, vision and dexterity capability, and affordability of therapy must be considered first. SoloSTAR holds one unique market advantage, delivery of up to 80 units of insulin per injection.

Low-cost and disposable pressure sensor mat for non-invasive sleep and movement monitoring applications

Sleep has profound effects on the physical and mental well-being of an individual. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Sleep Disorder Research Plan gives particular emphasis to non-invasive sleep monitoring methods. Older adults experience sleep fragmentation due to sleep disorders. Unobtrusive non-contact monitoring can be the only realistic solution for long term home-based sleep monitoring. The demand for a low-cost and non-invasive sleep monitoring system for in-home use is more than before due to an increasingly stressful life style. Cost and complexity of current sensor elements hinder the development of low-cost sleep monitoring devices for in-home use. This paper presents the design, development and implementation of a low-cost and disposable pressure sensor mat that could be useful for in-home sleep and movement monitoring applications. The sensor mat design is based on a compressible foam sandwiched between two orthogonal arrays of cPaper capacitance sensors. A low-cost conducting paper has been developed for use as the capacitance sensor electrode. Typical mat design uses a 3 mm thick foam with 5 mm row/column grid array shows that it has a measurement resolution of 0.1 PSI pressure. The resolution can be controlled by both modifying properties of the conducting paper and the foam. Since this pressure mat design is based on low-cost paper, the sensor electrodes are disposable or semi-durable and hence it is ideal for the use in point-of-care physiological monitoring, pervasive healthcare and consumer electronic devices.

A clinical and health economic review of a prefilled insulin pen

OBJECTIVE

Several different durable or disposable insulin pen delivery devices are currently available, and newer, improved devices are being introduced. One prefilled insulin device, FlexPen (FP), has recently been improved (known as the Next Generation FlexPen (NGFP) in Europe or the improved FlexPen in the United States). The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical and health economic data of FP and its modified version.

METHODS

Relevant clinical and health economic terms relating to insulin pens were used to search Medline for studies and other publications involving FP and NGFP.

RESULTS

Sixteen publications investigating FP and/or the NGFP were identified. Patients prefer FP and are more confident with its use in comparison to vial/syringe insulin administration: in a study of 105 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, 85% of patients found FP to be more discreet for use in public than a syringe, 74% of patients found FP to be easier to use overall and 82% of patients had more confidence with setting the correct dose with FP. Four publications investigated the dosing accuracy of FP or NGFP: all studies found the study doses for both were within ISO-specified limits. Pharmacoeconomic issues with insulin pen devices were identified in four papers, and switching to FP from vial/syringe was found to increase treatment adherence from 59% to 68% (p < 0.01), as measured by medication possession ratio. Switching to FP is also a cost-effective option for patients. Mean all-cause annual treatment (-$1748/patient, p < 0.01), hypoglycaemia-attributable costs (-$908/patient, p < 0.01), and other diabetes-attributable costs (-$643/patient, p < 0.01) were reduced following the switch from vial/syringe.

CONCLUSIONS

Some limitations of traditional insulin administration devices can be overcome with insulin pen devices. FP is a prefilled disposable pen that has been modified to further improve characteristics beneficial to patient insulin administration.

[The effect of evidence-based evaluation and economic evaluation for price control of medical disposable materials]

Evidence-based evaluation and economic evaluation could be identical to the products which should be priced by bidding or which should be listed individually through evidence-based evaluation. Meanwhile, economic evaluation is helpful to price listing individual products in a reasonable range. It will be extremely grateful if all colleagues can be a part of the program and set up a standard pricing rationale in science.

[Evidence-based management of medical disposable materials]

Evidence-based management of medical disposable materials pays attention to collect evidence comprehensively and systematically, accumulate and create evidence through its own work and also evaluate evidence strictly. This can be used as a function to guide out job. Medical disposable materials evidence system contains product register qualification, product quality certification, supplier's behavior, internal and external communication evidence. Managers can find different ways in creating and using evidence referring to specific inside and outside condition. Evidence-based management can help accelerating the development of management of medical disposable materials from traditional experience pattern to a systematic and scientific pattern. It also has the very important meaning to improve medical quality, control the unreasonable growth of medical expense and make purchase and supply chain be more efficient.

Is once always enough? Revisiting the single use item

The reuse of single use medical items is a complex ethical issue that many healthcare providers are faced with, for while recommendations and literature do not advocate the reuse of these items, the reality is that many single use items are frequently reused. Further, many healthcare workers are ethically divided over whether or not to share this information with their patients, or who should reveal this information. While single use items are convenient to use, the reality of the cost to the healthcare system and the environment is being realised. Three distinct issues in regard to reuse of single use items are explored: patient consent, fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Exploring these issues through the ethical frameworks of utilitarianism, contractarianism, and land ethic or holism can offer guidance in attending to the question "is once always enough?" Applying an integrated ethical framework can further assist healthcare providers and stakeholders to make informed, ethical choices in regard to choosing single use medical devices and items. Short, fictionalised narratives based on authentic events are used to illustrate the ethical context of the reuse issue.

Bariatric surgery costs and implications for hospital margins: comparing laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric banding

BACKGROUND

Effective cost reduction strategies require effective analyses of charges.

METHODS

Costs and charges for laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric banding were compared. Equipment costs, both disposable and reusable, were obtained. Data on the total charges, anesthesiology charges, and hospital charges were obtained; univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Disposable equipment costs for laparoscopic gastric bypass totaled $3516.23, for laparoscopic gastric banding they were $4363; the difference stemmed from the $3195 laparoscopic band. Median total charges for the procedures differed by less than $100 (P=0.81). Hospital charges for gastric bypass were about $275 (P=0.087) more for bypass than for banding.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective cost reduction strategies require cost analyses of each individual procedure; results for one procedure cannot necessarily be generalized to another procedure even if overall costs do not differ.

Overall quality of life and difficulty paying for ostomy supplies in the Veterans Affairs ostomy health-related quality of life study: an exploratory analysis

PURPOSE

To explore whether there was a significant relationship between difficulty paying for ostomy supplies and overall quality of life among a sample of ostomates receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

METHODS

The data were collected as part of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Ostomy Health-Related Quality of Life Study, in which 511 respondents (239 cases, 272 controls) completed a survey instrument that included the modified City of Hope Quality of Life (mCOH-QOL) Ostomy questionnaire, SF-36V, and sociodemographic items. Responses from the 239 cases (ie, patients with intestinal stomas) were used in this analysis. The modified City of Hope Quality of Life Ostomy questionnaire item, "How good is your overall quality of life?," was the dependent variable for this analysis. The primary independent variable was the response (yes/no) to the item, "If you pay for any of the (ostomy) costs, is it difficult for you?" A hierarchical regression model was used to examine whether difficulty paying was significantly related to overall quality of life after adjusting for age, income, race/ethnicity, and physical health.

RESULTS

After accounting for the proportion of variance explained by age, income, race/ethnicity, and physical health, the additional proportion of variance explained by difficulty paying was statistically significant. Individuals reporting difficulty paying had a roughly 1 point lower (ie, beta-coefficient = -1.052; SE = 0.481) overall quality of life score on the 11-point scale.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a significant association between difficulty paying for ostomy supplies and overall quality of life. Although the cross-sectional study design does not allow causal inference, the results suggest a relationship that merits further examination.