A Brazilian clinical trial suggests that a more advanced and pricier dressing for deep burns can reduce patient pain, shorten hospitalization, and decrease overall treatment costs by over 30%.
A recent clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo's School of Medicine indicates that a more modern and expensive dressing for deep burns can significantly improve treatment outcomes. The study showed that this dressing not only alleviates patient pain but also substantially reduces the duration of hospital stays, ultimately leading to a more than 30% reduction in the total cost of burn treatment. Despite being available in the Brazilian market, such dressings are still underutilized in public healthcare settings.
The trial involved 40 patients at the Burn Unit of the Hospital das Clínicas in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, where half received traditional treatment with daily applications of silver sulfadiazine cream and routine dressing changes. The other half were treated with the newer dressing technology, which reportedly offers superior benefits. The study, which formed part of the doctoral research of plastic surgeon Juliano Baron Almeida under Professor Jayme Adriano Farina Junior, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Wound Care, emphasizing its relevance in advanced medical practices.
This research holds significant implications for burn treatment in Brazil, especially within public healthcare frameworks where cost-effectiveness is crucial. The findings advocate for the adoption of modern dressing technologies that may not only enhance the quality of patient care but also alleviate healthcare costs, making effective burn treatment more accessible to those in need. As the article awaits publication, it is likely to stimulate discussions on healthcare spending and resource allocation in treating burn injuries.
