Invacare® HomeFill® self-fill oxygen system saves the UK NHS millions

Invacare’s HomeFill ambulatory oxygen technology has played a critical role in the production of a report, featured in the latest edition of Breathe - the clinical educational publication from the European Respiratory Society. The article features the first health economic study demonstrating the benefits of delivery-free HomeFill oxygen technology versus traditional oxygen gas cylinders for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The clinical publication aims to alert healthcare commissioners of the significant cost savings, positive patient outcomes and environmental benefits that can be achieved from the increased use of self-fill oxygen systems. 

The authors of the report - NHS Dumfries and Galloway (NHS-DG) and the York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) - present compelling evidence for the use of self-fill oxygen systems based on the national reform of oxygen services in Scotland, comparing conventional oxygen cylinders with the employment of the HomeFill system. 

The key finding of the study was the significant financial benefit arising from the implementation of HomeFill systems. The systems cost just €1,100 per patient, per year compared with conventional oxygen gas cylinders costing around €5,200; a staggering €4,000 or 76% saving per patient, per year.

Also established by NHS-DG and YHEC was the considerable environmental benefit arising from the use of HomeFill technology. The authors found that the number of home visits to replenish ambulatory oxygen cylinders stands at around 52 per patient, per year, with HomeFill requiring only 4 visits. This reduction in travel to patients home, in turn leads to a huge 92% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, positively impacting the environment.

Citing specific feedback reports, over 1,200 patients involved in the study said the system allowed them to spend an additional 50% of their time outdoors, finding the system easy to use. HomeFill users also reported an increased quality of life, whilst all users thought the service given by the home care oxygen provider was equivalent to or of a higher quality than previously encountered.

Speaking about the findings, Ilario Martella, EMEA Category Manager, Respiratory Care, Invacare International said: “Invacare works with healthcare professionals, government bodies and medical equipment providers across of Europe who provide oxygen medical devices to residential care facilities, rehabilitation centres and in homes. It is extremely rewarding to see such a respected report highlighting how HomeFill can benefit organisations like the NHS in the UK on so many levels. I believe the HomeFill oxygen system is a good example of how new medical technologies can give patients increased independence, mobility and an improved quality of life, whilst cutting costs for healthcare providers. Moving forward, this report will hopefully make more people aware of self-fill oxygen technology, such as HomeFill, and the benefits of offering it to patients, especially those who often spend time outdoors.”

The Invacare HomeFill is available now across Europe. For further information please visit www.invacare.nl.
The full article can be found here.