Surgeon Meets Tailor: Exploring the Economic Impact of Absorptive Dressings and Optimizing Dressing Utilization

Introduction: Burn and wound management is a critical aspect of healthcare, presenting both clinical and economic challenges. This podium presentation delves into the economic ramifications of absorptive dressings and emphasizes the potential benefits of optimizing dressing utilization, with a focus on absorbent, innovative and silver impregnated, large, absorbent textile solutions. This examination compares 2 large surface area wounds seen with Stevens Johnson. We compared the popular initial dressing of choice with the new option, a larger textile dressing. Methods: Burn and wound care costs represent a significant portion of healthcare expenditures, and the choice of dressings plays a pivotal role in determining these expenses. This presentation will analyze the economic implications of various dressing choices, highlighting the long-term savings and improved patient outcomes associated with absorptive dressings. Healthcare costs require purchasing commercially available products. Two patient profiles for similar disease processes will be evaluated. Market rates will be used to eliminate corporate discounts and the role they play in discrepancies. Results: Utilization of this innovative technology can be tailored easily to save costs and optimize the dressings to the patient’s wounds. This ensures that healthcare professionals make the most efficient use of dressings while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. The unique perspective on this issue will be presented, showcasing how advanced technologies and materials contribute to cost-effective wound management without compromising patient well-being. We will discuss best practices and strategies for minimizing dressing waste, enhancing dressing longevity, and maximizing their effectiveness.Our comparison indicates a more than 60% reduction in cost, both material and labor reduction. We discovered that we lost money in excess labor when we didn't adequately train the staff on the nuance of the novel product. But, once overcome the benefits remained. Discussion: By the end of this presentation, attendees will gain insights into the financial benefits of absorptive textiles and learn how to implement effective dressing utilization strategies. This knowledge can empower healthcare providers and administrators to make informed decisions that positively impact both patient outcomes and the economic sustainability of burn and wound care programs. References: