Indirect Impacts

Although difficult to measure precisely, Baxter's main indirect economic impact is through its products. By using Baxter products, many patients extend and improve the quality of their lives and in some cases may avert further health expenses. Baxter conducts economic research and works to provide governments, healthcare organizations and patients the information needed to make the best possible decisions about treatment.

For example, Baxter is the world's leading manufacturer of peritoneal dialysis (PD) products to treat patients with end-stage renal disease, or irreversible kidney failure. PD is a self-administered in-home therapy. Recent studies published in health economics and healthcare journals conclude that in-home PD therapy can be less expensive than in-center hemodialysis both in developed and developing economies.^1,2 See more information in Product Development.

In the United States, catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) cost an average of $34,000 per patient in increased hospital costs and extend patient length-of-stay by an average of 23 days.^3,4 Baxter's V-LINK Luer activated device with Vitalshield protective coating, which was launched in the United States in 2008, is an intravenous connector that allows needle-free access to the patient's bloodstream. The Vitalshield technology is an antimicrobial coating that has been shown to kill at least 99.99% of six common pathogens known to cause CRBSIs. The V-LINK Luer activated device has since been introduced across most regions globally.

Baxter spending also has a "multiplier effect" on the broader economy, for example, through creating jobs in the supply chain and supporting services such as air travel or hospitality. Baxter does not measure performance in this area, but believes these impacts are significant given the company's size and scope. For example, Baxter paid its suppliers approximately $4.4 billion in 2010, which those suppliers then used for purposes such as paying their suppliers, providing their employees with wages and benefits, and paying taxes and other expenses.