Research studies involving Westcountry patients demonstrate cost-saving impacts to NHS

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has listed two studies carried out in the South West as those which have the potential to save the NHS thousands of pounds per patient.

In a recent article ‘7 findings that could save the NHS money and improve care’ the NIHR reported on several studies which could save the NHS money while also improving care.

The NHS strives to continually improve the quality of care it delivers, while also reducing costs. Spending less does not have to mean providing a poorer service. The NHS Long Term Plan requires efficiencies that include reductions in administration costs, changing the way medicines are prescribed, and acting on research evidence.

The article examines studies with results published between 2018 and 2020 and highlights ways in which research could both save the NHS money, and provide better care.  It provides useful information for those commissioning and delivering services, and for members of the public.

One of the studies mentioned found that being cared for at home is a good alternative to hospital for many older people. The results of the study included 1,000 people in 9 locations across the UK, 28 of which were from two hospitals in the South West – the Royal Devon and North Devon District Hospital.  It included people aged 65 years and older who were being considered for a hospital admission. One group of participants was admitted to hospital, the other received hospital at home (homecare). Homecare included a complete geriatric assessment along with care from different NHS specialists. All participants had access to hospital-based services when needed (including admissions), and primary care.

The service, called hospital at home, led to no more deaths after 6 months or 1 year than among people admitted to hospital. It included a complete geriatric assessment along with care from different NHS specialists. All participants had access to hospital-based services when needed (including admissions), and primary care.

People receiving hospital at home were less likely to be admitted to a care home (a sign they are not coping at home), and it cost less than hospital care. The researchers considered NHS, personal social care, and informal care costs. It was not suitable for all older people, such as those who are most seriously unwell. The study estimated that the service could save £3,071 per patient. In addition, people and their carers preferred hospital at home over hospital care.

The second study mentioned in the article which saw 43 participants from across three South West hospitals take part – Royal Devon, Musgrove Park and Royal Cornwall – showed that a moulded plaster cast is a safe and cost-effective alternative to surgery for a distal radius fracture (a common break where the forearm meets the wrist joint).

Researchers on the DRAFFT 2 study found that casts were as effective as surgery using wire for most patients. Wrist pain and function were similar, regardless of which approach was taken. 1 in 8 people who had a cast required surgery in the first 6 weeks. Even so, the cost analysis suggests that adopting this approach could save hundreds of thousands of pounds as well as freeing up surgical time and theatre capacity.

Professor Michael Gibbons, Clinical Director for the NIHR Clinical Research Network in the South West Peninsula, said: “This article highlights just two of the many, many studies carried out in our region and across the country that have a profound positive impact on both patients and the NHS. Research is at the heart of delivering the best possible patient care and improving our health service. It is vital that we continue to promote the many benefits of research and increase our portfolio, staffing and reach to ensure as many people and services as possible can benefit from these important studies.”