Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs Associated With a Peptide-Based Enteral Formula With Fruit and Vegetable Ingredients: Retrospective Analysis of Children and Adults in Post-Acute Care

OBJECTIVES: Enteral nutrition is critical for patients unable to consume adequate nutrition orally; yet, research on health economic impacts of specific formulas is limited. This study assessed healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs in children and adults receiving plant-based peptide formulas containing fruit and vegetable ingredients in post-acute care settings.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of US claims de-identified data between Jan 2020 and Dec 2022 included 2 cohorts, children 1–13 years and adults ≥14 years, prescribed pediatric or adult plant-based peptide (hydrolyzed pea protein) formulas with fruit and vegetable ingredients. Index date was date of hospital discharge, pre-index was the six months prior, and post-index periods were 28-, 84- and 168-days after index. Demographics, HCRU and costs were captured. Multivariate costs after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidity index scores were compared in pre-and post-index periods.

RESULTS: Ninety-one children and 82 adults across all US regions were included. Mean outpatient visits and the proportion of children reporting inpatient visits was significantly reduced at all post-discharge periods (p≤0.05). HCRU reductions resulted in significant decrease of total mean adjusted costs up to 84 days post-index (p≤0.05). Compared to pre-index ($473,857), the total mean adjusted costs significantly decreased to $147,019 and $273,134 at 28- and 84- days post-index, respectively. The adult cohort observed significant reductions in mean outpatient visits and proportion of patients reporting inpatient visits at all post-discharge periods (p≤0.05). HCRU reductions resulted in a significant decrease of total mean adjusted costs at all post-index periods (p≤0.05). Compared to pre-index ($676,456), the total mean adjusted costs significantly decreased to $191,211, $352,432 and $427,576 at 28-, 84- and 168-days post-index, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Children and adults prescribed plant-based peptide formulas containing fruit and vegetable ingredients showed significant reductions in HCRU up to 168 days post-hospital discharge and cost savings to the healthcare system.