Innovative wound closure system reduces post-surgery hospital visits & increases patient satisfaction
Overview
Surgical incisions and trauma wounds can be closed using numerous techniques, all of which are designed to prevent infection and other complications. Clinicians customize these diverse strategies to address specific patient requirements and promote healing and patient well-being.
Procurement Benefits
The Challenge
While sutures and staples are predominantly used for wound closures, hospitals also have access to a novel system that uses a topical skin adhesive and self-adhering mesh. The product costs per procedure are approximately $120 more than with traditional staples and sutures, but the benefits to patients, and the health care system have prompted its adoption by MMC Member hospitals.
One key advantage over using staples or sutures is that dressing changes aren’t required, so patients don’t need to make return visits to the hospital. That can eliminate hundreds of follow-up clinic visits per year, reducing staff workload with finite hospital resources. When the wound is sufficiently healed, patients can remove the mesh dressing themselves – a relatively pain-free process compared to the removal of surgical staples.
The adhesive / mesh system also results in considerably less wound drainage compared to closures with sutures. This reduces the likelihood of a surgical site infection (SSI), which can lead to readmission and slower recovery. It also allows patients to return to regular activities – including showering – sooner.
The Outcome
Through our large-scale, value-driven sourcing solutions, Mohawk Medbuy (MMC) works with Member hospitals to support the use of innovative products, such as this wound closure system. MMC’s close collaboration with health care providers means that the procurement decisions made by hospitals are centred on the best possible patient outcomes.
"Being able to offer hospitals access to innovative products like this system is a testament to our commitment to improving patient outcomes and streamlining hospital operations," said Marc Lemaire, Senior Vice President, Strategic Sourcing at MMC. "By reducing complications, follow-up visits, and overall hospital costs, both patients and health care providers benefit significantly."
