Research establishes clear health-economic argument for including WoundExpress as standard care in the UK
A newly published research paper by Professor Julian Guest et al. shows that treating hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers with WoundExpress improves both clinical and financial outcomes. In combination with standard care, WoundExpress increased the probability of wound healing by 58% and improved the health-related quality of life for patients – with significant associated cost savings for healthcare.
WoundExpress, an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) solution, has previously been shown to have a positive impact on both arterial and venous blood flow in the lower limb, with clinical benefits including reductions in wound size and, importantly, in reducing pain1.
New study supports WoundExpress as a cost-effective treatment
Now, Journal of Wound Care has published a research paper by Professor Julian Guest et al., comparing WoundExpress in combination with standard care, to standard care alone over a 24 week period. The study shows that WoundExpress increases the probability of wound healing by 58%, and also improves patients’ health-related quality of life2. Reducing the need for time and efforts by medical professionals, results in cost savings for healthcare facilities and the healthcare system at large.
Due to savings related to faster healing, the paper also concludes that the cost of WoundExpress in combination with standard care for treating hard to heal venous leg ulcers is slightly lower than standard care alone, and well within the cost threshold per patient set by NHS3.
”Venous leg ulcers are a rapidly growing and costly problem for healthcare. With this research we now have an opportunity to enter into dialogue with the NHS around mandating WoundExpress for hard to heal ulcer patients – enabling both improved healing rates and cost-efficiency,” says Joacim Lindoff, President & CEO of Arjo.
For more information and details, please find the full research paper here.
Previous study reported significant wound healing and pain reduction
WoundExpress has been evaluated in several studies, for example a multi-centre clinical study including two highly prestigious wound care facilities, the Welsh Wound Innovation Centre (WWIC) in Wales and Accelerate CIC in London. Over 95% of patients have reported a significant improvement in wound healing and reduction of pain, leading to significantly increased quality of life4.
In addition, eight experienced UK clinicians have written a consensus paper, published by Wounds UK in 2021, stating that WoundExpress is a user-friendly technology that can improve both clinical and financial outcomes5.
A huge challenge for healthcare – requiring new solutions
Venous leg ulcers are a growing problem, usually caused by insufficient blood circulation. Patients commonly experience pain and limited mobility, in some cases leading to depression, anxiety and social isolation, ultimately resulting in reduced quality of life.
Traditional treatment often has unsatisfactory results, in part because it is considered both inconvenient and uncomfortable for patients. Worldwide, the annual costs for managing and treating venous leg ulcers amounts to SEK 300 billion6.
- Morris et al. (2020), Naik et al. (2020), and Kettley and Turner-Dobbin (2020)
- Julian F Guest, PhD, Health Economist; Catalyst Consultants, Poole, UK, Karen Staines, RGN, BSc, Director of Education and Research and Clinical Lead for Wound Care; Accelerate CIC, St Joseph's Hospice, London, UK, Nina Murphy, RGN, BSc, Clinical Lead for Tissue Viability; NELFT Community Services, NELFT NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK (2021)
- NHS stands for the National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK and the second largest single-payer healthcare system in the world.
- Davies & Dunn (2021)
- The consensus paper: https://www.wounds-uk.com/resources/details/the-benefits-of-intermittent-pneumatic-compression-and-how-to-use-woundexpress-in-practice
- NHS (2019); Wounds International (2015); Reeder et al. (2013); Guest et al. (2017); Corporate Development & Projects: Huntleigh Diagnostics
About WoundExpress
Arjo’s WoundExpress is an Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) system to manage lower leg wounds with a garment applied on the patient’s thigh, uniquely placed away from the wound site to avoid painful pressure while increasing blood flow to the leg ulcer.
In 2021 Arjo published highly successful results from a multi-centre clinical evaluation, and a randomized controlled trial for wound care treatment is currently ongoing.
To date, WoundExpress has been introduced to the market in UK, Ireland, Sweden and Denmark – with very positive response. Commercialisation plans are currently under development for major markets like the US and Western Europe.
Read more about WoundExpress here: https://www.woundexpress.com/
About Arjo
At Arjo, we believe that empowering movement within healthcare environments is essential to quality care. Our products and solutions are designed to promote a safe and dignified experience through patient handling, medical beds, personal hygiene, disinfection, diagnostics, and the prevention of pressure injuries and venous thromboembolism. With over 6,000 people worldwide and 60 years caring for patients and healthcare professionals, we are committed to driving healthier outcomes for people facing mobility challenges. www.arjo.com
For further information, please contact:
Kornelia Rasmussen, EVP Marketing Communications & Public Relations
Tel: +46(0)10 335 4810
Email: kornelia.rasmussen@arjo.com
Maria Nilsson, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Tel: +46 (0)10 335 4866
Email: maria.nilsson@arjo.com
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