Bmc Health Serv Res
-
Bmc Health Serv Res · Jan 2009
ReviewSystematic review of economic evaluations of human cell-derived wound care products for the treatment of venous leg and diabetic foot ulcers.
Tissue engineering is an emerging field. Novel bioengineered skin substitutes and genetically derived growth factors offer innovative approaches to reduce the burden of diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers for both patients and health care systems. However, they frequently are very costly. Based on a systematic review of the literature, this study assesses the cost-effectiveness of these growth factors and tissue-engineered artificial skin for treating chronic wounds. ⋯ The study results suggest that some growth factors and tissue-engineered artificial skin products feature favourable cost-effectiveness ratios in selected patient groups with chronic wounds. Despite the limitations of the studies considered, it is evident that health care providers and coverage decision makers should take not only the high cost of the biotechnology product but the total cost of care into account when deciding about the appropriate allocation of their financial resources. However, not only the cost-effectiveness but first of all the effectiveness of these novel biotechnology products deserve further research.
-
Bmc Health Serv Res · Dec 2008
ReviewInterventions to prevent disability in frail community-dwelling elderly: a systematic review.
There is an interest for intervention studies aiming at the prevention of disability in community-dwelling physically frail older persons, though an overview on their content, methodological quality and effectiveness is lacking. ⋯ There is an indication that relatively long-lasting and high-intensive multicomponent exercise programs have a positive effect on ADL and IADL disability for community-living moderate physically frail older persons. Future research into disability prevention in physical frail older persons could be directed to more individualized and comprehensive programs.
-
Bmc Health Serv Res · Dec 2008
ReviewInterventions to prevent disability in frail community-dwelling elderly: a systematic review.
There is an interest for intervention studies aiming at the prevention of disability in community-dwelling physically frail older persons, though an overview on their content, methodological quality and effectiveness is lacking. ⋯ There is an indication that relatively long-lasting and high-intensive multicomponent exercise programs have a positive effect on ADL and IADL disability for community-living moderate physically frail older persons. Future research into disability prevention in physical frail older persons could be directed to more individualized and comprehensive programs.
-
Bmc Health Serv Res · Apr 2008
ReviewEffects of intensive home visiting programs for older people with poor health status: a systematic review.
Home visiting programs have been developed aimed at improving the health and independent functioning of older people. Also, they intend to reduce hospital and nursing home admission and associated cost. A substantial number of studies have examined the effects of preventive home visiting programs on older people living in the community; the findings have been inconsistent. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of intensive home visiting programs targeting older people with poor health or otherwise with functional impairments. ⋯ We conclude that home visiting programs appear not to be beneficial for older people with poor health within the health care setting of Western countries.
-
Bmc Health Serv Res · Apr 2008
ReviewEffects of intensive home visiting programs for older people with poor health status: a systematic review.
Home visiting programs have been developed aimed at improving the health and independent functioning of older people. Also, they intend to reduce hospital and nursing home admission and associated cost. A substantial number of studies have examined the effects of preventive home visiting programs on older people living in the community; the findings have been inconsistent. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of intensive home visiting programs targeting older people with poor health or otherwise with functional impairments. ⋯ We conclude that home visiting programs appear not to be beneficial for older people with poor health within the health care setting of Western countries.