Economic Consequences of an Implanted Neuroprosthesis in Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury for Restoration of an Effective Cough

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2017 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2303-271 · Published: July 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Healthcare Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the cost-effectiveness of using an implanted neuroprosthesis (Cough Stimulator) to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) cough more effectively. The study compares the costs of respiratory management before and after the implantation of the Cough Stimulator over a 4-year period. The results suggest that while there are initial costs associated with the device and its implantation, it leads to significant reductions in the long-term costs of respiratory care for SCI patients.

Study Duration

4 Years

Participants

14 participants with spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Nonrandomized clinical trial

Key Findings

1
The total cost related to implantation of the Cough Stimulator was $59,891, with no maintenance costs over subsequent years.
2
The costs associated with respiratory tract infections fell significantly from a mean of $36,406 ± 11,855/year to $13,284 ± 7,035/year (p < .05) pre and post implantation, respectively.
3
The costs associated with caregiver support fell significantly from $25,312 ± 8,019/year to $2,630 ± 2,233/year (p < .05) pre and post implantation.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the economic impact of an implanted neuroprosthesis (Cough Stimulator) for restoring effective cough in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found significant reductions in respiratory tract infections, the need for caregiver support, and overall respiratory management costs following implantation of the Cough Stimulator. The break-even point for the cost of implantation versus the cost savings was reached within the first year, demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of the device for long-term respiratory management in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Reduced Healthcare Costs

The Cough Stimulator can significantly reduce healthcare costs associated with respiratory management in SCI patients.

Improved Quality of Life

Beyond cost savings, the device improves the quality of life for SCI patients by reducing the need for caregiver assistance and the incidence of respiratory infections.

Wider Adoption Potential

The cost-effectiveness of the Cough Stimulator supports its wider adoption as a standard of care for respiratory management in eligible SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
The actual incidence of hospitalizations for management of respiratory issues in patients with SCI following the first year of injury is unknown.
2
In some instances, the actual occurrence of respiratory tract infections depended upon the subject’s recall and therefore may have lacked precision.
3
An additional limitation of this study is the fact that caregiver support was monitored for only 2 weeks prior to implantation of the cough system.

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