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

Abstract

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.

The Effect of Intradialytic Exercise Using Virtual Reality on the Body Composition of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

“…These results were confirmed in another study with a 12-week program that demonstrated significant results on physical function in a broad battery of functional tests [ 11 ]. Furthermore, intradialysis exercise using VR was safe without presenting hemodynamic instability [ 10 , 12 ], as well as possible benefits in the reduction in the consumption of healthcare resources and health micro-costing [ 13 ]. This type of program is designed to be like a game, which can help patients perceive it as enjoyable, and is also easier for dialysis staff to implement, compared to the conventional exercise training sessions.…”

Un enfoque neuroeducativo en la integración de tecnologías de Realidad Virtual en el desarrollo de juegos serios: caso de estudio en el ámbito de la Seguridad y Prevención de Riesgos Laborales.

“…Durante los últimos 30 años, la RV ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en un sistema práctico, útil y cada vez más accesible (Olmos-Raya et al, 2018;Slater, 2009). Debido a sus características, dicha herramienta ha capturado rápidamente la atención como una de las tecnologías más emocionantes, desempeñando un papel importante en el imaginario colectivo y convirtiéndose en una disciplina de investigación y desarrollo en constante evolución (Conesa et al, 2023;García-Testal et al, 2022;Ríos & Pelechano, 2020;Fonseca et al, 2021b;Martens et al, 2019). Tiene aplicaciones en diversos campos como el entretenimiento, la educación, la medicina, la arquitectura y la industria, lo que ha generado una industria en crecimiento (Schroeder, apud Sanchez-Sepulveda et al, 2019).…”