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Impact of an intradialysis virtual-reality-based exercise program on healthcare resources expenditure: a micro-costing analysis

Authors :
Alicia García-Testal
Francisco José Martínez-Olmos
Jose Antonio Gil-Gómez
Javier Villalón-Coca
Rafael Ortiz-Ramón
Alicia Cana-Poyatos
Rafael García-Maset
Eva Segura-Ortí
Source :
BMC Nephrology, Vol 23, Iss 1, Pp 1-7 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
BMC, 2022.

Abstract

Abstract Background Engagement in exercise by haemodialysis (HD) patients has been shown to generate benefits both in terms of improved functional capacity and in the health-related quality of life. The use of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) games represents a new format for the implementation of intradialysis exercise. Some studies have shown that engaging in exercise for 6 months reduces the consumption of antihypertensive drugs and decreases the time spent admitted to hospital among individuals receiving HD treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the consumption of healthcare resources and micro-costing for patients on HD who completed a VR exercise program. Materials and methods Design: This study is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial. The participants performed an intradialysis exercise program with non-immersive virtual reality for 3 months. The variables were recorded in two periods: 12 months before and 12 months after the start of the exercise program. Results The micro-costing analysis showed a significant decrease in the mean cost, in euros, for the consumption of laboratory tests − 330 (95% CI:[− 533, − 126];p = 0.003), outpatient visits − 351 ([− 566, − 135];p = 0.003), and radiology tests − 111 ([− 209, − 10];p = 0.03) in the 12 months after the implementation of the exercise program relative to the 12 months prior to its start. Conclusion The implementation of intradialysis exercise programs decreased the expenditure of some healthcare resources. Future studies could help clarify if longer interventions would have a stronger impact on these cost reductions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14712369
Volume :
23
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Nephrology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.68c4e9bd43f4d5f8a7464e8d036c04e
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-022-02859-8