Journal of Community Nursing (JCN) | June 2024

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Cost impact and outcomes of 50 lymphoedema cases using adjustable compression garments

Cost impact and outcomes of 50 lymphoedema cases using adjustable compression garments
Lymphoedema

Pages: 30 - 37

Article topics: Leg ulceration, Lymphoedema, Wounds

Increasing pressures on healthcare resources require constant evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of provision, particularly for the rising number of vulnerable, elderly and obese patients. Practices regarding compression are arguably often ingrained due to its historical usage, with evidence from managing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) underpinning its effectiveness. This evaluation explores the clinical benefit, impact, outcomes and cost-efficiencies of using an adjustable compression wrap system instead of previous care. ‘Before-after design’ observation of 50 patients captured baseline resource use, costs and outcomes (clinical and patient) at the time of assessment and again at a maximum of six-month follow-up. Data after using the adjustable compression wrap showed significantly improved clinician-reported outcomes: presence of wounds/leg ulceration (from 56% to 21%), incidence of cellulitis (halved), and reduced complexity/severity of lymphoedema. Additionally, patient- reported outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) health score and LYMPROM© scores for pain, heaviness, shopping for shoes and clothes, and body image significantly improved. The mean number of community nurse visits per patient reduced from 11.6. to 9.1, but was not statistically significant (p-value 0.09). However, this evaluation found that over six months there was a mean cost reduction of over £383.70 per patient, which included the purchase price of the adjustable compression wrap system.


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