A cost minimisation analysis of olive oil versus hyperoxygenated fatty acid treatment for the prevention of pressure ulcers in primary health care: A randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Pressure ulcers represent a major current health problem and cause an important economic impact on the health care system. Most studies on the prevention of pressure ulcers have been carried out in hospital contexts, with respect to the use of hyperoxygenated fatty acids, and to date no studies have specifically examined the use of olive oil-based treatments. Aim: To evaluate the cost of using extra virgin olive oil, rather than hyperoxygenated fatty acids, in the prevention of pressure ulcers among persons with impaired mobility and receiving home care. Study Design: Cost minimisation analysis of the results obtained from a non-inferiority, triple-blind, parallel, multicentre, randomised clinical trial. Population attending primary health care centres in Andalusia (Spain). Study sample: 831 immobilised patients at risk of suffering pressure ulcers. These persons were included in the study and randomly assigned as follows: 437 to the olive oil group and 394 to the hyperoxygenated fatty acid group. At the end of the follow-up period, the results obtained by the olive oil group were not inferior to those of the hyperoxygenated fatty acid group, and did not exceed the 10% delta limit. The total treatment cost for 16 weeks was €19,758 with hyperoxygenated fatty acids and €9,566 with olive oil. Overall, the olive oil treatment was €10,192 less costly. It has been concluded the non-inferiority of olive oil makes this product an effective alternative for the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients who are immobilised and in a domestic environment. This treatment enables considerable savings in direct costs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2xsp3Eo