(PI-007) Accelerating Patient Transitions from Hospital to Home with Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: A Discharge Pathway

Siobhan Lookess, BSc, PGDip – Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research Manager, Solventum; Mark Portou, PhD, FRCS – Vascular Surgeon, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Introduction: Complexities in wound management step-down strategies can result in extended hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients who require negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) but could otherwise be discharged. Single use NPWT (sNPWT) can serve as a bridge between hospital and community NPWT, allowing patients to return home once outpatient wound management is achievable. The aim of this study was to implement a discharge pathway utilizing sNPWT* and to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential cost savings of this strategy.

Methods:

This case series included 68 patients with open lower limb wounds treated with the sNPWT discharge pathway. Wounds were assessed before and after sNPWT use and differences in average inpatient length of stay (LOS) and costs were calculated for patients discharged on sNPWT compared to patients who remained hospitalized until community NPWT was available.

Results: Use of the sNPWT discharge pathway was well tolerated by patients and resulted in good clinical outcomes including complete wound healing. Compared to patients who remained hospitalized on NPWT, patients discharged on sNPWT had an average reduction in LOS of approximately 20 days for a projected cost savings of £12,350 per patient in hospital costs.

Discussion:

Preliminary findings indicate the use of a sNPWT discharge pathway is feasible and may result in reduced hospital LOS and costs while improving patient care. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of this sNPWT transition strategy on patient outcomes and overall costs of care.