Economic analysis of VenUS I, a randomized trial of two bandages for treating venous leg ulcers

Background: The study investigated the cost‐effectiveness of four‐layer and short‐stretch compression bandages for treating venous leg ulcers. Methods: Cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility analyses were performed using patient‐level data collected alongside the VenUS I leg ulcer study. The perspective for the economic analysis was that of the UK National Health Service (NHS) and Personal Social Service. The time horizon for the analysis was 1 year after recruitment. Health benefit was measured as differences in ulcer‐free days and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Results: The mean healing time for ulcers treated with four‐layer bandages was 10·9 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) −6·8 to 29·1) days less than that for ulcers treated with short‐stretch bandages. Mean average difference in QALYs between compression systems was −0·02 (95 per cent c.i. −0·08 to 0·04). The four‐layer bandage cost a mean of £227·32 (95 per cent c.i. £16·53 to £448 ·30) less per patient per year than the short‐stretch bandage. Conclusion: On average, four‐layer bandaging was associated with greater health benefits and lower costs than short‐stretch bandaging. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.