Consider V.A.C. Therapy: A Solution Associated with Cost Savings
In Apelqvist's economic analysis2 of the Armstrong diabetic foot wound RCT, V.A.C. Therapy was shown to lower costs dramatically compared to AMWT* for patients treated for ≥ 8 weeks. Specific V.A.C. Therapy cost-effectiveness data demonstrated:
Reduced Average Direct Cost Independent of Outcome
Lower Average Total Cost to Achieve Healing
Lower Average Weekly Total Cost
Fewer Surgical Procedures
Fewer Outpatient Visits
Fewer Dressing Changes
Less Days of Therapy
Reduced Average Direct Cost Independent of Outcome
The V.A.C. Therapy group average direct cost for patients treated for ≥ 8 weeks was almost $9,000 less per patient than that of the AMWT* group.2
• Highest costs were related to in-hospital stay, antibiotics and wound dressing treatment needed.
Lower Average Total Cost to Achieve Healing
The V.A.C. Therapy group, the average total cost to achieve healing was almost $13,000 less per patient than for the AMWT* group.2
Lower Average Weekly Total Cost
Among patients fulfilling 8 weeks of treatment, the average weekly total cost for V.A.C. Therapy was over $1,500 less than AMWT* ($3,338 vs. $4,853).2
Fewer Surgical Procedures
For patients treated for 8 weeks or more, a decreased number of surgical procedures in the V.A.C. Therapy group contributed to the lower overall cost of care when compared to AMWT*.2
Fewer Outpatient Visits
Patients treated with V.A.C. Therapy for their diabetic foot wounds experienced significantly fewer outpatient clinic visits per subject than the AMWT* group (p<0.05).2
Fewer Dressing Changes
The average number of dressing changes per patient was 65% less for V.A.C. Therapy patients: 42 V.A.C. Therapy vs. 118 AMWT*; p <.001.2
Less Days of Therapy
Of the 1,189 inpatient therapy days, subjects treated with V.A.C. Therapy (n=25) had less days of wound therapy relative to those treated with AMWT* (n=22): 46% vs. 54%, respectively.2
