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Case Study/Series
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A Cost Effective Treatment for Chronic Wounds in Long Term Care Facilities (LTAC) First Author: Carelyn Fylling Authors: Carelyn P. Fylling, RN, MSN Objective: To determine whether platelet-rich plasma gel could be a cost effective treatment for chronic wounds in long term care facilities (LTAC) Method: A retrospective chart review of 2 diabetic foot ulcer patients and 2 sacral wound patients located in 2 LTACS was conducted. The physicians chose the treatment modalities; traditional therapies or platelet-rich plasma gel(PRP). Costs, LOS, and healing were documented. Results: 2 diabetic foot ulcer patients: one treated traditionally with 17 products/treatments including 24 HBO dives. The other ulcer 250 times larger treated with 3 products including 6 platelet-rich plasma gel treatments. The larger wound closed faster, patient was discharged in 1/3 less time and costs were: traditional treatment = $45,326 versus PRP = $3,570. 2 sacral ulcer patients: one treated with 10 products/treatments including 1 surgical flap. The other ulcer 20 times larger was treated with 3 products including 3 platelet-rich plasma gel treatments. The larger wound closed faster, the patient was discharged in ½ the time and the costs were: traditional treatment costs = $34,948 versus PRP costs =$1,785. Conclusion: The use of platelet-rich plasma gel to treat wounds in an LTAC can cause faster wound closure, reduce length of stay, and is cost effective. |
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