Abstract
Development of subcutaneous abdominal wound healing impairment (SAWHI) can greatly affect patient care. Complications from SAWHI include delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and fascial dehiscence resulting in increased patient care and associated costs. Treatment options include conventional wound treatment or negative pressure wound therapy, both of which can be used in the out-of-hospital setting. However, limited published evidence on cost-effectiveness exists. A conservative health economic model was created to assess the cost-benefit of negative pressure wound therapy in the out-of-hospital setting for the management of SAWHI. Study data from a published multicentre randomised controlled trial were used and represented 221 patients that received care in the out-of-hospital setting. The mean per-patient total cost within 42 days was slightly higher in the negative pressure wound therapy group (2034.98 € versus 1918.91 €); however, when wound closure rates were considered, a cost savings of 4155.98 € per closed wound was observed with the use of negative pressure wound therapy (4324.34 € versus 8480.32 €). A cost-effectiveness analysis was constructed, and negative pressure wound therapy was observed to have a lower cost of care and a higher incremental closure rate.