Modeling the Cost Savings of Continuous Pulse Oximetry and Capnography Monitoring of United States General Care Floor Patients Receiving Opioids Based on the PRODIGY Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the high incidence of respiratory depression on the general care floor and evidence that continuous monitoring improves patient outcomes, the cost-benefit of continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of general care floor patients remains unknown. This study modeled the cost and length of stay savings, investment break-even point, and likelihood of cost savings for continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of general care floor patients at risk for respiratory depression.

Methods: A decision tree model was created to compare intermittent pulse oximetry versus continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring. The model utilized costs and outcomes from the PRediction of Opioid-induced respiratory Depression In patients monitored by capnoGraphY (PRODIGY) trial, and was applied to a modeled cohort of 2447 patients receiving opioids per median-sized United States general care floor annually.

Results: Continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of high-risk patients is projected to reduce annual hospital cost by $535,531 and cumulative patient length of stay by 103 days. A 1.5% reduction in respiratory depression would achieve a break-even investment point and justify the investment cost. The probability of cost saving is ≥ 80% if respiratory depression is decreased by ≥ 17%. Expansion of continuous monitoring to high- and intermediate-risk patients, or to all patients, is projected to reach a break-even point when respiratory depression is reduced by 2.5% and 3.5%, respectively, with a ≥ 80% probability of cost savings when respiratory depression decreases by ≥ 27% and ≥ 31%, respectively.

Conclusion: Compared to intermittent pulse oximetry, continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of general care floor patients receiving opioids has a high chance of being cost-effective.

Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov , Registration ID: NCT02811302.

Keywords: Break-even analysis; Capnography; Continuous monitoring; Cost savings; Economic model; General care floor; Healthcare economics; Pulse oximetry; Respiratory compromise; Respiratory depression.