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Preference and resource utilization in elderly patients: InnoLet versus vial/syringe
John Shelmet1, Sherwyn Schwartz, John Cappleman
1Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic, 5107 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. jjsdiabetes@aol.com
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|December 25, 2003
Summary
The InnoLet insulin injection device significantly improved patient independence and satisfaction for those with visual or motor disabilities. This led to reduced healthcare costs and a strong preference for InnoLet over traditional vial and syringe methods.
Area of Science:
- Diabetes Management
- Medical Device Technology
- Patient Care
Background:
- Patients with diabetes mellitus, particularly those with visual or motor disabilities, often face challenges using traditional vial and syringe insulin delivery methods.
- Difficulty with insulin preparation and injection can lead to increased reliance on caregiver assistance and higher healthcare resource utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient preference, satisfaction, and healthcare resource utilization between the InnoLet disposable insulin injection device and conventional vial/syringe methods.
- To assess the impact of InnoLet on patient independence in self-administering insulin, especially for individuals with physical or visual impairments.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, crossover clinical trial involving 79 patients with diabetes mellitus and visual/motor disabilities.
- Patients used either InnoLet or vial/syringe for 6 weeks, then switched to the alternate device for another 6 weeks.
- Healthcare resource utilization was measured by caregiver time and estimated nursing costs; patient preference and satisfaction were also assessed.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher percentage of patients (53%) could independently inject insulin with InnoLet compared to vial/syringe (20%).
- Mean daily nursing costs were substantially lower with InnoLet (US$114) versus vial/syringe (US$196).
- A large majority of patients (82%) expressed a preference for the InnoLet device.
Conclusions:
- The InnoLet disposable insulin injection device offers a user-friendly alternative for patients with diabetes and physical or visual impairments, enhancing self-sufficiency.
- InnoLet demonstrates a significant reduction in healthcare resource utilization and associated costs compared to traditional vial and syringe methods.
- Patient preference strongly favors the InnoLet device, highlighting its potential to improve the quality of life and adherence for this patient population.