Negative-pressure wound therapy: a pharmacoeconomics assessment review

Abstract

Aim: The implementation of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in chronic wounds has raised concerns about the economic costs and respective clinical benefits. Farmocoeconomics assessment are fundamental to decide therapeutic options based in the best available evidence. In this review we aim to evaluate the cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit and cost-utility in the application of NPWT. Method: We developed a systematic literature review according with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The selected studies were Cochrane systematic reviews, cohort studies, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials and one probabilistic study. For critical appraisal we used the following instruments: PRISMA (Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis), CONSORT (Randomized Trials) and STROBE (Observational studies). Results / Discussion: NPWT high costs materials are offset by a decrease in the number of visits and minutes/treatment. Overall this means an inferior absorption of human resources, less total time of treatment and higher perceptions of comfort and quality of life for patients measured in Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY’s). Conclusion: Evidence-based care should consider the best evidence from research the available resources, clinical experience and training and the patient preferences. Critical search of evidences helps to take better and informed decisions with better outcomes to patients, professionals and the organizations. Therefore NWPT demonstrates advantages considering a pharmacoeconomic appraisal.