Consistent use of Electromed’s SmartVest Airway Clearance System significantly reduced bronchiectasis-related healthcare utilization and cost, according to a study published in Respiratory Therapy: The Journal of Pulmonary Technique announced by the company.
The SmartVest Airway Clearance System uses high frequency chest wall oscillation (“HFCWO”), a proven therapy that helps clear the lungs of excess secretions, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and hospitalizations, the company reported.
Results of the cost-effective analysis demonstrate that consistent use of the SmartVest system was associated with statistically significant results. Specifically, when compared to the standard of care control, SmartVest use was associated with:
- A 58% decrease in antibiotic cost;
- A 63% decrease in emergency department visit cost; and
- A 60% decrease in hospitalization cost.
The study results revealed an annual savings of $3,045 per bronchiectasis patient, per year of SmartVest use.
A previously published clinical outcomes study of 59 SmartVest patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis served as the basis for the cost-effective analysis. This outcomes study demonstrated that use of the SmartVest system for one year resulted in 57% fewer antibiotic prescriptions, a 60% decrease in emergency department visits and a 58% decrease in the total number of hospitalizations per the study population. As a result, patients reported a 68% quality of life improvement.
“Electromed is committed to ‘making life’s important moments possible – one breath at a time’, helping people around the world breathe better, stay healthier, and lead active and fulfilling lives,” commented Kathleen Skarvan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Electromed. “These results provide an opportunity to share evidence with the patients we serve and clinicians that consistently using the SmartVest system can reduce the number of hospitalizations and clinic visits, and save significant healthcare costs.”
More information is available on the Electromed website.
