Outcomes and cost minimization between siriraj cold hot pack and the innovator product.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the quality of product and compare outcomes and costs between Siriraj Cold Hot Pack and an innovator product from the patient and hospital perspective. Methods: Siriraj Cold Hot Packs were prepared and tested for outcome and cost with the innovator product. The criteria for comparison such as heat and cold retention, compression resistance and skin irritation between the Siriraj Cold Hot Pack and the innovator product were determined and then analyzed for the economic effect by cost minimization analysis. Results: Siriraj Cold Hot Pack exhibited standard characteristics (p > 0.05). After being soaked in 95-100°C for 5 minutes or in 70-80°C for 7 minutes, it could retain heat at a temperature higher than 43°C for at least 10 minutes. It also retained cold at temperature below 10°C for longer than 10 minutes after being stored in a freezer for 2 hours, in a refrigerator (2-4°C) for 4 hours or on ice for 20 minutes. The comparison of heat and cold retaining and compression resistance between the Siriraj Cold Hot Pack and the innovator product revealed no difference. However, when they were soaked with water and heated with a microwave at 600 watts for 2 minutes, the Siriraj Cold Hot Pack was able to significantly retain heat longer than the innovator product (p < 0.05). For economic analysis, Siriraj Cold Hot Pack is the best choice. The sensitivity analysis from the patient perspective was conducted by increasing the price of the Siriraj Cold Hot Pack until greater than 25%, both products will be equivalent the best choice. From the hospital perspective, increasing the cost of production until greater than 102%, both products will be equivalent the best choice. Conclusion: The results show that Siriraj Cold Hot Pack yielded the similar capability to the innovator product, including hot and cold retention, compression resistance and the irritation results. Siriraj Cold Hot Pack is the best choice for both the patient and hospital perspective.