Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: This research evaluated the benefits of a French home healthcare service provider (HHSP) specializing in ostomy and urological patient care, comparing outcomes with those receiving pharmacy services. The objective was to determine if HHSP’s specialized care improves patient outcomes and support, healthcare utilization, and satisfaction versus pharmacy care.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey gathered patient-reported demographics, clinical outcomes, healthcare utilization, and satisfaction metrics from individuals using ostomy or urological supplies from HHSP or pharmacies. Respondents were recruited from internal French patient databases. Fisher’s Exact Test or chi-squared tests analyzed outcomes, while Monte Carlo simulations modeled yearly rates of unexpected HCP visits, ER visits, and hospitalizations related to ostomy complications or urinary tract infections.
RESULTS: Responses from 1524 HHSP and 247 pharmacy patients demonstrated that the HHSP provided significantly better specialized support. Respondents indicated that the HHSP was more knowledgeable and capable in ostomy and continence care (p<0.001) and reported improved confidence in performing ostomy- and intermittent catheter- related care and independent living (p<0.001). HHSP patients experienced fewer ostomy- or catheter-related complications, reduced reliance on prescribers for assistance (p<0.001), and reported enhanced quality of life and acceptance of their condition (p<0.001). Health economic modeling indicated that HHSP patients had lower healthcare visits and resource utilization (empirical p-values: 0.019 for HCP visits, 0.0035 for ER visits, <0.001 for hospitalizations).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the benefits of a specialized HHSP in enhancing quality of life and self-management for ostomy and urological patients, offering a valuable alternative to pharmacy-based care. HHSP’s enhanced support and education empower individuals to manage their conditions independently, leading to reduced healthcare resource utilization and improved quality of life, clinical, and satisfaction outcomes.