The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · May 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialCost-effectiveness of low-air-loss beds for treatment of pressure ulcers.
Cost-effectiveness of low-air-loss beds for the healing of pressure ulcers was analyzed in the nursing home setting. A statistical model of pressure ulcer healing was used to estimate cost-effectiveness based on patient and ulcer characteristics. ⋯ Findings support the expanded use of this technology for patients with mild pressure ulcers and good healing characteristics. For these patients, the cost-effectiveness of low-air-loss beds is comparable to other accepted health treatments. For patients with severe ulcers and poor healing characteristics, low-air-loss bed cost-effectiveness compares poorly with other accepted health treatments unless the lease cost can be substantially reduced, or unless life with a pressure ulcer is valued close to death.