Cost-effectiveness analysis of guideline-based optimal care for venous leg ulcers in Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are expensive to treat and impair quality of life of affected individuals. Although improved healing and reduced recurrence rates have been observed following the introduction of evidence-based guidelines, a significant evidence-practice gap exists. Compression is the recommended first-line therapy for treatment of VLUs but unlike many other developed countries, the Australian health system does not subsidise compression therapy. The objective of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of guideline-based care for VLUs that includes public sector reimbursement for compression therapy for affected individuals in Australia.

Methods

A Markov model was designed to simulate the progression of VLU for patients receiving guideline-based o

SUBMITTER: Cheng Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5992639 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature