Management of Moderate-to-highly Exuding Leg Ulcers with Superabsorbent Wound Dressings versus Foams Dressings in Spanish Settings: An Early-stage Cost-effectiveness and Budget-impact Analyses

This study endeavors to ascertain the cost-effectiveness and utility of employing SAPs in comparison to foam dressings for the management of moderate-to-highly exuding leg ulcers within Spanish healthcare contexts. Furthermore, it aims to conduct an associated budget-impact analysis for the Spanish National Health Service, thereby considering the financial implications relevant to the implementation of these interventions. The economic evaluation and budget impact model adhered to Spanish and international guidelines. with reporting quality of economic evaluation assessed using the CHEERS checklist and the Drummond checklist for ensuring adequate conduct. The evidence synthesis process involved identifying and appraising the most recent and highest level of evidence research. The identified data inputs were adjusted in accordance with recommended practices for research quality and incorporated into a mathematical model that accounted for the natural history of chronic leg ulcers. Based on the results of this preliminary health economic analysis, utilizing SAP wound dressings instead of foam dressings in patients with moderate-to-highly exuding leg ulcers within the Spanish Health Care System is projected to yield favorable outcomes. The analysis predicts an enhanced healing rate of 2.33%, an incremental improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by 0.129 quality-adjusted life weeks (QALWs), and a total direct cost reduction of {euro}570 per patient over a six-month period. Extrapolating these findings to a scenario where all leg ulcers are treated with SAPs rather than foam dressings, the Spanish NHS could potentially achieve an annual cost savings of {euro}43.46 million. These clinical outcomes align with current treatment guidelines that advocate for superabsorbent wound dressings as the primary choice for managing moderate-to-highly exuding leg ulcers.