Reducing Major Amputation Rates and Infectious Complications Using Bioimpression-Based Wound Management in Colombia
Author(s)
JUAN C. FERNANDEZ MERCADO, MBA, MSc, PhD, MD1, Nelson Alvis-Guzman, MPH, PhD, MD2, Lácides José Barrera C, SR.3.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3Gerente de Valor y Acceso, ANNAR Health Technologies – Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3Gerente de Valor y Acceso, ANNAR Health Technologies – Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of a structured wound management protocol incorporating bioimpression technology in reducing major amputations and infectious complications among patients with advanced diabetic foot ulcers in Colombia.
METHODS: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in secondary-level IPSs across the Caribbean region. Patients with Wagner grade III-IV ulcers were included and treated under a structured protocol using bioimpression-based management. Control data were retrieved from clinical records of similar IPSs applying traditional protocols. Primary outcomes were rates of major amputations and deep-tissue infections.
RESULTS: Implementation of the bioimpression protocol led to a 46% decrease in major amputations and a 40% reduction in severe infectious complications compared to traditional care. The effect was more pronounced in institutions with integrated multidisciplinary care and wound care nurse supervision. Patients reported faster recovery, reduced need for debridement, and fewer readmissions. These outcomes were also associated with shorter hospitalization duration and improved functional rehabilitation.
CONCLUSIONS: Integrating bioimpression technology into standardized DFU care pathways significantly reduces severe clinical outcomes such as amputations and infections. This model is scalable across public and private IPSs in Colombia and aligns with national goals to reduce disability and catastrophic expenditures in chronic patients. Standardizing care with technological support represents a feasible pathway toward improving performance indicators and health system responsiveness.
METHODS: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in secondary-level IPSs across the Caribbean region. Patients with Wagner grade III-IV ulcers were included and treated under a structured protocol using bioimpression-based management. Control data were retrieved from clinical records of similar IPSs applying traditional protocols. Primary outcomes were rates of major amputations and deep-tissue infections.
RESULTS: Implementation of the bioimpression protocol led to a 46% decrease in major amputations and a 40% reduction in severe infectious complications compared to traditional care. The effect was more pronounced in institutions with integrated multidisciplinary care and wound care nurse supervision. Patients reported faster recovery, reduced need for debridement, and fewer readmissions. These outcomes were also associated with shorter hospitalization duration and improved functional rehabilitation.
CONCLUSIONS: Integrating bioimpression technology into standardized DFU care pathways significantly reduces severe clinical outcomes such as amputations and infections. This model is scalable across public and private IPSs in Colombia and aligns with national goals to reduce disability and catastrophic expenditures in chronic patients. Standardizing care with technological support represents a feasible pathway toward improving performance indicators and health system responsiveness.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE643
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Economic Evaluation, Organizational Practices
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal)