A cost minimization analysis of olive oil vs. hyperoxygenated fatty acid treatment for the prevention of pressure ulcers in primary healthcare: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Pressure ulcers represent a major current health problem and cause an important economic impact on the healthcare system. Most studies on the prevention of pressure ulcers have been carried out in hospital contexts, with respect to the use of hyperoxygenated fatty acids (HOFA), and to date no studies have specifically examined the use of olive oil-based treatments. Aim: To evaluate the cost of using extra virgin olive oil, rather than HOFA, in the prevention of pressure ulcers among persons with impaired mobility and receiving home care. Study Design: Cost minimization analysis of the results obtained from a noninferiority, triple-blind, parallel, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Population attending primary healthcare centers in Andalusia (Spain). Study sample: 831 immobilized patients at risk of suffering pressure ulcers. These persons were included in the study and randomly assigned as follows: 437 to the olive oil group and 394 to the HOFA group. At the end of the follow-up period, the results obtained by the olive oil group were not inferior to those of the HOFA group, and did not exceed the 10% delta limit. The total treatment cost for 16 weeks was e19,758 with HOFAs and e9,566 with olive oil. Overall, the olive oil treatment was e10,192 less costly. It has been concluded the noninferiority of olive oil makes this product an effective alternative for the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients who are immobilized and in a domestic environment. This treatment enables considerable savings in direct costs.