Patient Blood Management With Intravenous Iron Is Economically Advantageous Compared to Usual Care in German Hospitals
Author(s)
Markus Thalheimer, MD1, Richard Pollock, MA, MSc2, Line Rethmeier, MSc3, Mercedes Romano Rodriguez, MBA, MSc, PharmD3, Mathias Flume, MBA4, Andreas Wöhrmann, Msc PhD5.
1Internal Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany, 2Covalence Research Ltd, Harpenden, United Kingdom, 3Global Market Access, Pharmacosmos, Holbæk, Denmark, 4Gene Access GmbH, Dortmund, Germany, 5Market Access, Pharmacosmos Gmbh, Wiesbaden, Germany.
1Internal Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany, 2Covalence Research Ltd, Harpenden, United Kingdom, 3Global Market Access, Pharmacosmos, Holbæk, Denmark, 4Gene Access GmbH, Dortmund, Germany, 5Market Access, Pharmacosmos Gmbh, Wiesbaden, Germany.
OBJECTIVES: Intravenous (IV) iron is an essential component of treating iron deficiency. Two preparations of IV iron with different posologies are commonly used: ferric derisomaltose (FDI) and ferric carboxymaltose (FCM). IV iron is used as part of patient blood management (PBM). Based on the current healthcare delivery situation in Germany this analysis presents economic aspects of different IV iron therapeutic strategies on providers and patients.
METHODS: An Excel-based model is used to analyze current direct costs and healthcare resource utilization for IV iron substitution from an outpatient and inpatient perspective. The model is based on literature data combined with real world data from the Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany.
RESULTS: An optimized IV iron therapy based on pharmacology and posology of high-dose IV iron can reduce pre-admission visits by up to 32%PBM with IV iron is economically advantageous compared to usual care, mainly driven by direct cost savings of about 19% per patient due to less blood transfusions and reduced ward length of stayThese results are supported by a sensitivity analysis modelling different patient characteristics based on German specific data
CONCLUSIONS: An optimized IV iron substitution concept as part of PBM in preparation for an elective procedure results in cost savings and avoidance of 56 pre-hospital visits per 100 patients, but also lowers treatment burden reflected by shorter hospital stay, fewer blood transfusions etc. A reduction of blood transfusions by optimized PBM is cost relevant for the hospital in most cases. By optimizing the IV iron substitution as part of PBM, healthcare providers achieve economic benefits, while patients experience reduced treatment and logistical burdens—alongside the well-established medical advantages of PBM.
METHODS: An Excel-based model is used to analyze current direct costs and healthcare resource utilization for IV iron substitution from an outpatient and inpatient perspective. The model is based on literature data combined with real world data from the Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany.
RESULTS: An optimized IV iron therapy based on pharmacology and posology of high-dose IV iron can reduce pre-admission visits by up to 32%PBM with IV iron is economically advantageous compared to usual care, mainly driven by direct cost savings of about 19% per patient due to less blood transfusions and reduced ward length of stayThese results are supported by a sensitivity analysis modelling different patient characteristics based on German specific data
CONCLUSIONS: An optimized IV iron substitution concept as part of PBM in preparation for an elective procedure results in cost savings and avoidance of 56 pre-hospital visits per 100 patients, but also lowers treatment burden reflected by shorter hospital stay, fewer blood transfusions etc. A reduction of blood transfusions by optimized PBM is cost relevant for the hospital in most cases. By optimizing the IV iron substitution as part of PBM, healthcare providers achieve economic benefits, while patients experience reduced treatment and logistical burdens—alongside the well-established medical advantages of PBM.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE606
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Real World Data & Information Systems
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Gastrointestinal Disorders, Surgery, Systemic Disorders/Conditions (Anesthesia, Auto-Immune Disorders (n.e.c.), Hematological Disorders (non-oncologic), Pain)