In an independent, retrospective cohort analysis [1], data was collected and analyzed to assess the efficacy of high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients—before and after usage.
Insurance claims data assessed key measures such as hospitalizations, treated pneumonia, and medication usage. Following the introduction of HFCWO vest therapy, the study revealed that patients experienced:
- A decrease in hospitalizations, pneumonia, cough, and medication usage.
- A reduction in Healthcare Resource Utilization (HCRU) including having fewer chest x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and lung function tests.
Background of Study
The insurance claims data analysis was conducted using IQVIA’s PharMetrics Plus® for MedTech, one of the largest US health plan databases of adjudicated integrated medical and pharmacy claims.
Claims for patients who had received HFCWO within a one-year period were compared to their insurance claims prior to using the therapy. The study aimed to compare HCRU and outcomes (both before and after receipt of HFCWO) among patients with NCFBE.
KEY FINDINGS
Reduction in Bronchiectasis Symptoms
The chart to the right shows a consistent improvement in key health outcomes, as patients experienced a reduction in bronchiectasis-related symptoms, such as cough, pneumonia and hospitalizations.
Again, this suggests an overall decrease in healthcare costs for patients living with bronchiectasis.*
Significant Decrease in HCRU = Lower Outpatient Costs
As shown on the chart to the right, following HFCWO therapy, patients required fewer chest x-rays, CT scans, lung function tests, and medication use decreased.
This decrease equates to a reduction in healthcare costs.*
*Hospitalizations among NCFBE patients who develop an infection cost up to $36,665 compared to $20,421 for a hospitalization prior to infection.
Download the Infographic
Why SmartVest for HFCWO Vest Therapy?
Electromed is pleased to further the body of evidence in support of HFCWO therapy and SmartVest, continuously showing improved patient outcomes.
Consistent with these results, findings from a previous 2019 first-of-its-kind, peer-reviewed study, published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine, found that when the SmartVest Airway Clearance System, a HFCWO therapy device, was utilized in an algorithm of care treatment plan, it helped reduce bronchiectasis-related exacerbations requiring hospitalization, decrease antibiotic usage, and improve lung stability [2].
This recent study further demonstrates the benefits of utilizing HFCWO vest therapy among NCFB patients, allowing them to actively manage their bronchiectasis-related symptoms, improve their health outcomes over time, and reduce the need for medications and healthcare resources.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of using SmartVest to help you manage your chronic lung condition, we encourage you to contact our patient care advocates today to learn more! Schedule a time to chat or call them directly at 1.855.528.5690.
You can also request a patient packet to share with your clinician and read success stories to learn how SmartVest is changing lives—one breath at a time!
HFCWO: High frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) is an airway clearance technique that’s typically performed using an inflatable vest and air pulse generator.
HCRU: Healthcare Resource Utilization describes the use of services a person has for the purpose of preventing and curing health problems, promoting maintenance of health and well-being, or obtaining information about health status and prognosis.
NCFB: Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis is an irreversible chronic condition that occurs when a patient’s airways become abnormally widened and damaged from repeated infections and inflammation.
MD, KM, ND, JC and AR are all employees of IQVIA, which received funding for this study from Electromed, Inc.
“IQVIA” and “PharMetrics Plus” is a registered trademark of IQVIA, Inc.
Resources
[1] DeKoven M, Mandia K, DeFabis N, Chen J, Ruscio A. Patient characteristics, healthcare resource utilization and outcomes among non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients with high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy. IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for MedTech. 2018-2019
[2] Powner J, Nesmith A, Kirkpatrick DP, Nichols JK, Bermingham B, Solomon GM. Employment of an algorithm of care including chest physiotherapy results in reduced hospitalizations and stability of lung function in bronchiectasis. BMC Pulm Med. 2019;19(1):82. Published 2019 Apr 25.
