Abstract
Background
The use of continuous subcutaneous infusion of drugs using the repeated filling of elastomeric infuser pumps (EIP) has gained clinical recognition for palliative care at home. However, to date, there has been a notable absence of research examining the cost implications associated with the repeated EIP filling procedure. We aimed to evaluate the cost associated to the repeated filling of EIP used in a home-based palliative care team.
Methods
We conducted an analysis of the cost associated to the repeated filling of 240 EIP (1-day, n = 136; 2-day, n = 102; 7-day, n = 2) (110 patients).
Results
The refilling procedure led to a reduction in the utilization of 409 devices, resulting in savings of €4.031. EIP refilling did not result in a decrease in the number of home visits, the duration of each visit, the expenses associated with transportation to patients’ residences, or the nurse-to-hour cost.
Conclusion
Refilling EIPs reduces costs by reducing the number of devices purchased. No additional cost savings were noted in nursing time, number of home visits and duration, and expenses with transportation. Further cost savings could be realized by training laycarers to refill EIP at home independently. Future research should assess the feasibility of laycarers training programs on performing EIP filling at home.
Keywords
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