Impact of an intradialysis virtual-reality-based exercise program on healthcare resources expenditure: a micro-costing analysis

[EN] Background Engagement in exercise by haemodialysis (HD) patients has been shown to generate benefits both in terms of improved functional capacity and in the health-related quality of life. The use of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) games represents a new format for the implementation of intradialysis exercise. Some studies have shown that engaging in exercise for 6 months reduces the consumption of antihypertensive drugs and decreases the time spent admitted to hospital among individuals receiving HD treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the consumption of healthcare resources and micro-costing for patients on HD who completed a VR exercise program. Materials and methods Design: This study is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial. The participants performed an intradialysis exercise program with non-immersive virtual reality for 3 months. The variables were recorded in two periods: 12 months before and 12 months after the start of the exercise program. Results The micro-costing analysis showed a significant decrease in the mean cost, in euros, for the consumption of laboratory tests - 330 (95% CI:[- 533, - 126];p = 0.003), outpatient visits - 351 ([- 566, - 135];p = 0.003), and radiology tests - 111 ([- 209, - 10];p = 0.03) in the 12 months after the implementation of the exercise program relative to the 12 months prior to its start. Conclusion The implementation of intradialysis exercise programs decreased the expenditure of some healthcare resources. Future studies could help clarify if longer interventions would have a stronger impact on these cost reductions. Funding was received from a research prize awarded by the nonprofit organization 'Fundacion Renal Tomas de Osma' as well as from a research grant (IDOC 17-19), a research project (FUSP-BS-PPC14/2017) grant from the Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU and a research project (PID2019-108814RA-100) from the Spanish Government 'Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion'. García-Testal, A.; Martínez-Olmos, FJ.; Gil-Gómez, J.; Villalón-Coca, J.; Ortiz-Ramón, R.; Cana-Poyatos, A.; García-Maset, R... (2022). Impact of an intradialysis virtual-reality-based exercise program on healthcare resources expenditure: a micro-costing analysis. BMC Nephrology. 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-022-02859-8