Reference:
Bossi, A.C., Veronesi, G., Poerio, C.S., Braus, A., Madaschi, S., Destro, M., Ferraro, B., Gilberti, L., Sganzerla, P. and Davis, E.M. (2015) A Prospective Study for Introducing Insulin Pens and Safety Needles in a Hospital Setting. The SANITHY Study. Current Diabetes Reviews. August 6th. [epub ahead of print].
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: to assess costs and safety of insulin pen devices and safety needles as compared to vial/syringes in hospitalized patients requiring insulin therapy in a General Hospital in Northern Italy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: in a prospective 9-month study, consecutive patients admitted to three Hospital Units received insulin therapy through either a traditional disposable syringe method, or pen/safety needles with dual-ended protection, or disposable safety syringes. We compared the median direct (insulin and devices) and indirect (insulin supply at discharge, insulin wastage) costs of a 10-day in-hospital insulin treatment in the 3 study groups, additionally accounting for the costs related to the observed needlestick injury rate. Patients’ safety during in-hospital stay (hypo- and hyperglycemia episodes) and satisfaction were also assessed.
RESULTS: N=360 patients (55% men, mean age 75.6 years, 57% with DM since ≥10 years) were recruited in the study. Insulin pens had higher median direct cost than both traditional syringes (43 vs. 18 €/patient, p<.0001) and safety syringes (21.5 €/patient, p<.0001). However, when also indirect and injuries costs were taken into account, the estimated savings for using pens over traditional syringes were as high as 32 €/patient (45.8 vs. 77.6 €/patient, p-value <.0001). No differences in patients’ safety were observed. 74% and 12% of patients using pens and syringes would like to continue the method at home, respectively (p<0.0001).
DISCUSSION: a selective use of individual pre-filled pens/safety needles for patients who are likely to continue insulin therapy at home may strongly reduce hospital diabetes treatment related costs.
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