Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 (CHEERS 2022) statement: updated reporting guidance for health economic evaluations

Cost-effectiveness of the FindMyApps eHealth intervention vs. digital care as usual: results from a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Despite growing interest, the cost-effectiveness of eHealth interventions for supporting quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers remains unclear. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the FindMyApps intervention, compared to digital care-as-usual. FindMyApps aims to help people with dementia and their caregivers find and learn to use tablet apps that may support social participation and self-management of people with dementia and sense of competence of caregivers.

METHOD

A randomised controlled trial (Netherlands Trial Register NL8157) was conducted, including people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia and their informal caregivers (FindMyApps n = 76, digital care-as-usual n = 74). Outcomes for people with MCI/dementia were Quality-Adjusted Life-Years (QALYs), calculated from EQ-5D-5L data and the Dutch tariff for utility scores, social participation (Maastricht Social Participation Profile) and quality of life (Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit), and for caregivers, QALYs and sense of competence (Short Sense of Competence Questionnaire). Societal costs were calculated using data collected with the RUD-lite instrument and the Dutch costing guideline. Multiple imputation was employed to fill in missing cost and effect data. Bootstrapped multilevel models were used to estimate incremental total societal costs and incremental effects between groups which were then used to calculate Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were estimated.

RESULTS

In the FindMyApps group, caregiver SSCQ scores were significantly higher compared to care-as-usual, n = 150, mean difference = 0.75, 95% CI [0.14, 1.38]. Other outcomes did not significantly differ between groups. Total societal costs for people with dementia were not significantly different, n = 150, mean difference = €-774, 95%CI [-2.643, .,079]. Total societal costs for caregivers were significantly lower in the FindMyApps group compared to care-as-usual, n = 150, mean difference = € -392, 95% CI [-1.254, -26], largely due to lower supportive care costs, mean difference = €-252, 95% CI [-1.009, 42]. For all outcomes, the probability that FindMyApps was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €0 per point of improvement was 0.72 for people with dementia and 0.93 for caregivers.

CONCLUSION

FindMyApps is a cost-effective intervention for supporting caregivers' sense of competence. Further implementation of FindMyApps is warranted.

Cost-utility analysis of using high-intensity statin among post-hospitalized acute coronary syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

Post-hospitalized acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in Indonesia National Insurance does not pay for the use of high-intensity statin (HIS) for secondary prevention after ACS hospitalization. Moreover, a cost-utility analysis needs to be conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of prescribing HIS and low-to-moderate-intensity statin (LMIS) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). This study aimed to estimate the cost-utility of long-term HIS treatment in post-hospitalized ACS patients in Indonesia compared to current practice.

RESULTS

This study compared the economic outcomes of long-term HIS and LMIS in Indonesian post-hospitalized ACS patients. A lifetime Markov model predicted ACS-related events, costs, and QALY from a payer perspective. A systematic review estimated treatment-specific event probabilities, post-event survival, health-related quality of life, and Indonesia medical-care expenses from published sources. This study conducted probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) using 1000 independent Monte Carlo simulations and a series of one-way deterministic sensitivity analyses utilizing a tornado diagram. The economic evaluation model proved that intensive HIS treatment can increase per-patient QALYs and care expenditures compared to LMIS. The use of HIS among post-hospitalized ACS patients had ICER 31.843.492 IDR per QALY gained, below the Indonesia willingness-to-pay (WTP) for terminal disease and life-saving treatment.

CONCLUSION

From the Indonesia payer perspective, using HIS for post-hospitalized ACS patients in Indonesia is cost-effective at 31.843.492 IDR per QALY gained.

Health economic evaluation of blended collaborative care for older multimorbid heart failure patients: study protocol

BACKGROUND

Integrated care, in particular the 'Blended Collaborative Care (BCC)' strategy, may have the potential to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multimorbid patients with heart failure (HF) and psychosocial burden at no or low additional cost. The ESCAPE trial is a randomised controlled trial for the evaluation of a BCC approach in five European countries. For the economic evaluation of alongside this trial, the four main objectives were: (i) to document the costs of delivering the intervention, (ii) to assess the running costs across study sites, (iii) to evaluate short-term cost-effectiveness and cost-utility compared to providers' usual care, and (iv) to examine the budgetary implications.

METHODS

The trial-based economic analyses will include cross-country cost-effectiveness and cost-utility assessments from a payer perspective. The cost-utility analysis will calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) using the EQ-5D-5L and national value sets. Cost-effectiveness will include the cost per hospital admission avoided and the cost per depression-free days (DFD). Resource use will be measured from different sources, including electronic medical health records, standardised questionnaires, patient receipts and a care manager survey. Uncertainty will be addressed using bootstrapping.

DISCUSSION

The various methods and approaches used for data acquisition should provide insights into the potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of a BCC intervention. Providing the economic evaluation of ESCAPE will contribute to a country-based structural and organisational planning of BCC (e.g., the number of patients that may benefit, how many care managers are needed). Improved care is expected to enhance health-related quality of life at little or no extra cost.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study follows CHEERS2022 and is registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00025120).

Construct validity of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) version 2 and the impact of lifestyle modifications on the health-related quality of life among Indian adults with prediabetes: results from the D-CLIP trial

PURPOSE

This study aimed to validate the factor structure of the 12-item Short-Form (SF-12) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) survey for Indian adults and assess the impact of lifestyle modification on the SF-12 of Indian adults with prediabetes.

METHODS

To validate the context-specific construct of the SF-12, two-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using data from 1285 adults residing in Chennai, India, who screened for the Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program (D-CLIP). D-CLIP was a randomized controlled trial of 578 participants with prediabetes (283 treatment, 293 control), focusing on the effect of lifestyle modifications on the prevention of diabetes. Physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) were computed by using CFA standardized factor loadings. Multiple linear regression was subsequently conducted to estimate the effect of lifestyle modification on post-study changes of PCS and MCS among D-CLIP participants.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha and CFA fit indices demonstrated acceptable reliability and model fit of the SF-12 for Indian adults. The intervention group showed greater mean change in PCS after study participation compared to the controls (1.63 ± 0.82, p = 0.046); no significant difference was observed for MCS between two groups (1.00 ± 0.85, p = 0.242).

CONCLUSION

The study confirmed that the SF-12 is suitable for assessing the physical and mental health dimensions of HRQOL for Indian adults. Our findings suggest that the benefits of diabetes prevention lifestyle modification strategies may primarily enhance the physical well-being of adults with prediabetes. Further studies validating the SF-12 in a broader Asian Indian population are needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01283308.

Unveiling the truth: is COVID-19 reimbursement in Colombia a flawed design? A cost-of-illness analysis for moderate, severe and critical infections

PURPOSE

This study examines the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Colombian Health System, focusing on the adequacy of reimbursement rates for inpatient stays. The study, based on a cost of illness analysis, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the reimbursement scheme and identify potential economic losses within the health system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study protocol outlines the inclusion criteria for patients >18 years with confirmed COVID-19 infection and moderate to critical disease. Patients hospitalised between June 2020 and June 2021 for at least 24 hours were included. Exclusion criteria involved pregnant patients and those initially hospitalised for non-COVID-19.

RESULTS

The study included 781 patients contributing to 790 hospitalisations. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analysed, with critical illness being the most prevalent category (61%). The overall mortality rate was 20.3%, primarily observed in critically ill patients. In the general ward for moderate cases, the reimbursement rate saw a substantial increase from US$3237 in 2020 to US$6760 in 2021, surpassing median resource utilisation. However, for severe cases in the intermediate care unit, reimbursement rates decreased, indicating potential insufficiency in covering costs. In the intensive care unit for critical cases, despite improved reimbursement rates, median resource utilisation still exceeds the 2021 rate, suggesting financial insufficiency in reimbursement rates.

CONCLUSION

Our study underscores the inadequacies of the previous reimbursement system in addressing the varying resource utilisation and costs associated with COVID-19 inpatient care. Our analysis reveals substantial discrepancies between estimated costs and actual resource utilisation, particularly for severe and critical cases. We advocate for government flexibility in revising reimbursement baskets, supported by pilot studies to assess effectiveness. The use of real-world evidence forms a crucial basis for informed adjustments to reimbursement levels in preparation for future pandemics. This proactive approach ensures alignment between reimbursement policies and the actual costs associated.

Model-Based Economic Evaluations of Interventions for Dementia: An Updated Systematic Review and Quality Assessment

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in model-based economic evaluations of interventions for dementia. The most recent systematic review of economic evaluations for dementia highlighted weaknesses in studies, including lack of justification for model assumptions and data inputs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to update the last published systematic review of model-based economic evaluations of interventions for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on any methodological improvements and quality assessment of the studies.

METHODS

Systematic searches in eight databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EconLit, international HTA database, and the Tufts Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry were undertaken from February 2018 until August 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Philips checklist and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 checklist. The findings were summarized through narrative analysis.

RESULTS

This review included 23 studies, comprising cost-utility analyses (87%), cost-benefit analyses (9%) and cost-effectiveness analyses (4%). The studies covered various interventions, including pharmacological (n = 10, 43%), non-pharmacological (n = 4, 17%), prevention (n = 4, 17%), diagnostic (n = 4, 17%) and integrated (n = 1, 4%) [diagnostics-pharmacologic] strategies. Markov transition models were commonly employed (65%), followed by decision trees (13%) and discrete-event simulation (9%). Several interventions from all categories were reported as being cost effective. The quality of reporting was suboptimal for the Methods and Results sections in almost all studies, although the majority of studies adequately addressed the decision problem, scope, and model-type selection in their economic evaluations. Regarding the quality of methodology, only a minority of studies addressed competing theories or clearly explained the rationale for model structure. Furthermore, few studies systematically identified key parameters or assessed data quality, and uncertainty was mostly addressed partially.

CONCLUSIONS

This review informs future research and resource allocation by providing insights into model-based economic evaluations for dementia interventions and highlighting areas for improvement.

Incremental net monetary benefit of using varenicline for smoking cessation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of economic evaluation studies

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis and pool the incremental net benefits (INBs) of varenicline compared with behaviour support with bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), behaviour support alone and unaided cessation in adult smokers making a first-time attempt to quit.

METHODS

A search for economic evaluation studies was conducted from inception to 30 September 2022, on PubMed, Embase, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) Registry by Tufts Medical Centre, EconLit and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED). Eligible studies were included if they were (1) conducted among adults ages 18 years old and older who were smokers attempting to quit for the first time; (2) compared varenicline to behaviour support with bupropion or NRT, behaviour support alone and unaided cessation; and (3) performed a CEA or cost-utility analysis. The INBs were calculated and pooled across studies stratified by country income level and study perspective using the random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and Cochrane Q statistic.

RESULTS

Of the 1433 identified studies, 18 studies were included in our review. Our findings from healthcare system/payer perspective suggested that the use of varenicline is statistically significantly cost-effective compared with bupropion (pooled INB, $830.75 [95% confidence interval, $208.23, $1453.28]), NRTs ($636.16 [$192.48, $1079.84]) and unaided cessation ($4212.35 [$1755.79, $6668.92]) in high-income countries. Similarly, varenicline is also found to be cost-effective compared to bupropion ($2706.27 [$1284.44, $4128.11]), NRTs ($3310.01 [$1781.53, $4838.50]) and behavioural support alone ($5438.22 [$4105.99, $6770.46]) in low- and middle-income countries.

CONCLUSION

Varenicline is cost-effective as a smoking cessation aid when compared with behavioural support with bupropion or nicotine replacement therapies and behavioural support alone in both high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries, from the healthcare system/payer perspective in adult smokers who attempt to quit for the first time.

Economic evaluations performed alongside randomized implementation trials in clinical settings: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Economic evaluations alongside implementation trials compare the outcomes and costs of competing implementation strategies to identify the most efficient strategies. The aims of this systematic review were to investigate how economic evaluations are performed in randomized implementation trials in clinical settings and to assess the quality of these evaluations.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted on 23 March 2023 to identify studies that reported on economic evaluations embedded in randomized implementation trials in clinical settings. A systematic search was applied across seven databases, and references of relevant reviews were screened for additional studies. The Drummond Checklist was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of included economic evaluations. Study characteristics and quality assessments were tabulated and described.

RESULTS

Of the 6,550 studies screened for eligibility, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were published between 1990 and 2022 and from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. Most studies were conducted in the primary and out-patient care setting. Implementation costs included materials, staffing, and training, and the most common approach to collecting implementation costs was obtaining expense and budget reports. Included studies scored medium to high in terms of economic methodological quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Economic evidence is particularly useful for healthcare funders and service providers to inform the prioritization of implementation efforts in the context of limited resources and competing demands. The relatively small number of studies identified may be due to lack of guidance on how to conduct economic evaluations alongside implementation trials and the lack of standardized terminology used to describe implementation strategies in clinical research. We discuss these methodological gaps and present recommendations for embedding economic evaluations in implementation trials. First, reporting implementation strategies used in clinical trials and aligning these strategies with implementation outcomes and costs are an important advancement in clinical research. Second, economic evaluations of implementation trials should follow guidelines for standard clinical trial economic evaluations and adopt an appropriate costing and data collection approach. Third, hybrid trial designs are recommended to generate evidence for effective and cost-effective implementation strategies alongside clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023410186).

The feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy versus medical management for acute stroke with a large ischemic territory

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke is generally avoided when the expected infarction is large (defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of <6).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a meta-analysis of recent trials comparing MT with best medical management (BMM) for treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large infarction territory, and then to determine the cost-effectiveness associated with those treatments.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of the RESCUE-Japan, SELECT2, and ANGEL-ASPECT trials was conducted using R Studio. Statistical analysis employed the weighted average normal method for calculating mean differences from medians in continuous variables and the risk ratio for categorical variables. TreeAge software was used to construct a cost-effectiveness analysis model comparing MT with BMM in the treatment of ischemic stroke with large infarction territory.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis showed significantly better functional outcomes, with higher rates of patients achieving a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3 at 90 days with MT as compared with BMM. In the base-case analysis using a lifetime horizon, MT led to a greater gain in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of 3.46 at a lower cost of US$339 202 in comparison with BMM, which led to the gain of 2.41 QALYs at a cost of US$361 896. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$-21 660, indicating that MT was the dominant treatment at a willingness-to-pay of US$70 000.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that, besides having a better functional outcome at 90-days' follow-up, MT was more cost-effective than BMM, when accounting for healthcare cost associated with treatment outcome.

Psychological safety in the perioperative environment: a cost-consequence analysis

INTRODUCTION

Psychologically unsafe healthcare environments can lead to high levels of staff turnover, and unwanted financial burden. In this study, we investigate the hypothesis that lower levels of psychological safety are associated with higher levels of turnover, within an anaesthesiology department and we estimate the cost attributable to low psychological safety, driven by turnover costs.

METHODS

Psychological safety was measured in one academic department. The psychological safety score was correlated with 'intention to leave' using linear regression and Pearson correlation and a cost-consequence analysis was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-eight physician anaesthesiologists (MDs) and 282 certified registered nurse anaesthetists (CRNAs) were surveyed. The response rate was 67.4% (93/138) for MDs and 60.6% (171/282) for CRNAs. There was an inverse relationship between psychological safety and turnover intent for both MDs (Pearson correlation -0.373, p value <0.0002) and CRNAs (Pearson correlation -0.486, p value <0.0002). The OR of intent to turn over in the presence of low psychological safety was 6.86 (95% CI 1.38 to 34.05) for MDs and 8.93 (95% CI 4.27 to 18.68) for CRNAs. The cost-consequence analysis demonstrated the cost of low psychological safety related to turnover per year was $337, 428 for MDs and $14, 024, 279 for CRNAs. Reducing low psychological safety in CRNAs from 31.6% to 20% reduces the potential cost of low psychological to $8 876 126.03.

CONCLUSION

There is a cost relationship between low psychological safety and turnover. Low psychological safety in an academic anaesthesiology department may result in staff turnover, and potentially high financial costs.

The Cost-Effectiveness of a Novel Online Social Therapy to Maintain Treatment Effects From First-Episode Psychosis Services: Results From the Horyzons Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Digital interventions have potential applications in promoting long-term recovery and improving outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP). This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Horyzons, a novel online social therapy to support young people aged 16-27 years following discharge from FEP services, compared with treatment as usual (TAU) from a healthcare sector and a societal perspective.

STUDY DESIGN

A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), based on the change in social functioning, and a cost-utility analysis (CUA) using quality-adjusted life years were undertaken alongside a randomized controlled trial. Intervention costs were determined from study records; resources used by patients were collected from a resource-use questionnaire and administrative data. Mean costs and outcomes were compared at 18 months and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated. Uncertainty analysis using bootstrapping and sensitivity analyses was conducted.

STUDY RESULTS

The sample included 170 participants: Horyzons intervention group (n = 86) and TAU (n = 84). Total costs were significantly lower in the Horyzons group compared with TAU from both the healthcare sector (-AU$4789.59; P < .001) and the societal perspective (-AU$5131.14; P < .001). In the CEA, Horyzons was dominant, meaning it was less costly and resulted in better social functioning. In the CUA, the Horyzons intervention resulted in fewer costs but also yielded fewer QALYs. However, group differences in outcomes were not statistically significant. When young people engaged more with the platform, costs were shown to decrease and outcomes improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The Horyzons intervention offers a cost-effective approach for improving social functioning in young people with FEP after discharge from early intervention services.

Impact and cost-effectiveness analyses of vaccination for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease among older adults in Ontario: A Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) study

BACKGROUND

Two prefusion F protein-based vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, have been approved by Health Canada for protecting older adults against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract disease. We estimated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines under a publicly funded single-dose vaccination program in Ontario that targets residents of long-term care homes (LTCHs). Additionally, we evaluated an extended program that broadens vaccination to include community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A discrete-event simulation model was parameterised with the burden of RSV disease including outpatient care, hospitalisation, and death among adults aged 60 years or older in Ontario, Canada. Accounting for direct and indirect costs (in 2023 Canadian dollars) associated with RSV-related outcomes, we calculated the net monetary benefit using quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, and determined the range of price-per-dose (PPD) for vaccination programs to be cost-effective from both healthcare and societal perspectives over two RSV seasons. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to estimate the additional costs required to gain one QALY.

RESULTS

Using a willingness-to-pay of $50,000 per QALY gained, we found that vaccinating 90% of residents in LTCHs with Arexvy would be cost-effective from a societal perspective for a PPD up to $163, producing a mean ICER value of $49,984 (95% CI: $47,539 to $52,704) per QALY gained with a two-year budget impact of $463,468 per 100,000 older adults. The reduction of hospitalizations was estimated at 7.0% compared to the no-vaccination scenario. Extending the program to include community-dwelling older adults with a 74% coverage akin to influenza vaccination, Arexvy remains cost-effective for a PPD up to $139, with a mean ICER value of $49,698 (95% CI: 48,022 to 51,388) per QALY gained and a two-year budget impact of $8.63 million. Compared to the no-vaccination scenario, the extended program resulted in a 57.3% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccinating residents of LTCHs against RSV disease would be cost-effective depending on PPD; extending the program to community-dwelling older adults would provide substantial health benefits, averting significant direct healthcare costs and productivity losses.

Cost-Effectiveness of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Older Adults With Coronary Heart Disease

PURPOSE

While cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended and effective following acute cardiac events, it remains underutilized, particularly in older adults. A study of 601 099 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 yr hospitalized for coronary heart disease compared 5-yr mortality in users and nonusers of CR. Using instrumental variables (IV), CR improved mortality by 8.0% ( P < .001). A validation analysis based on 70 040 propensity-based (PB) matched pairs gave a similar gain (8.3%, P < .0001). The present cost-effectiveness analysis builds on these mortality results.

METHODS

Using the framework of the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, we calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) gained due to CR. We accessed the costs from this cohort, inflated to 2022 prices, and assessed the relationship of quality-adjusted life years (QALY) to life years from a systematic review. We estimated the ICER of CR by modeling lifetime costs and QALY from national life tables using IV and PB.

RESULTS

Using IV, CR added 1.344 QALY (95% CI, 0.543-2.144) and $40 472 in costs over the remaining lifetimes of participants. The ICER was $30 188 (95% CI, $18 175-$74 484)/QALY over their lifetimes. Using the PB analysis, the corresponding lifetime values were 2.018 (95% CI, 1.001-3.035) QALY, $66 590, and an ICER of $32 996 (95% CI, $21 942-$66 494)/QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac rehabilitation was highly cost-effective using guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services. The favorable clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CR, along with low use by Medicare beneficiaries, support the need to increase CR use.

#SharingHEOR: Developing Modern Media for Communication and Dissemination of Health Economics and Outcomes Research

Questions regarding the effectiveness and safety of health interventions and allocation of health care resources are frequently discussed in mainstream and social media. Additionally, government and foundation funders are increasingly mandating that results be disseminated to the lay public and patients may benefit from being able to digest scientific research regarding their health conditions. Therefore, it is important to widely disseminate and clearly communication health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) findings to a range of interested parties. Digital media features such as graphical or visual abstracts, infographics and videos are informative and add value to research articles by improving reader engagement with articles, potentially increasing their impact, and allowing results to be more widely disseminated. However, use of novel digital media for research dissemination has been relatively limited to date. In this article, we discuss the rationale for developing novel media to communicate and disseminate research findings and offer practical advice for doing so. We conclude by outlining a future agenda for research regarding HEOR communication and dissemination.

Evaluating pharmacological THRomboprophylaxis in Individuals undergoing superficial endoVEnous treatment across NHS and private clinics in the UK: a multi-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled trial-THRIVE trial

INTRODUCTION

Endovenous therapy is the first choice management for symptomatic varicose veins in NICE guidelines, with 56-70 000 procedures performed annually in the UK. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a known complication of endovenous therapy, occurring at a rate of up to 3.4%. Despite 73% of UK practitioners administering pharmacological thromboprophylaxis to reduce VTE, no high-quality evidence supporting this practice exists. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis may have clinical and cost benefit in preventing VTE; however, further evidence is needed. This study aims to establish whether when endovenous therapy is undertaken: a single dose or course of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis alters the risk of VTE; pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is associated with an increased rate of bleeding events; pharmacological prophylaxis is cost effective.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A multi-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 6660 participants from 40 NHS and private sites across the UK. Participants will be randomised to intervention (single dose or extended course of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis plus compression) or control (compression alone). Participants will undergo a lower limb venous duplex ultrasound scan at 21-28 days post-procedure to identify asymptomatic DVT. The duplex scan will be conducted locally by blinded assessors. Participants will be contacted remotely for follow-up at 7 days and 90 days post-procedure. The primary outcome is imaging-confirmed lower limb DVT with or without symptoms or PE with symptoms within 90 days of treatment. The main analysis will be according to the intention-to-treat principle and will compare the rates of VTE at 90 days, using a repeated measures analysis of variance, adjusting for any pre-specified strongly prognostic baseline covariates using a mixed effects logistic regression.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was granted by Brent Research Ethics Committee (22/LO/0261). Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN18501431.

A Practical Guide to Full Value of Vaccine Assessments

Articulating the wide range of health, social and economic benefits that vaccines offer may help to overcome obstacles in the vaccine development pipeline. A framework to guide the assessment and communication of the value of a vaccine-the Full Value of Vaccine Assessment (FVVA)-has been developed by the WHO. The FVVA framework offers a holistic assessment of the value of vaccines, providing a synthesis of evidence to inform the public health need of a vaccine, describing the supply and demand aspects, its market and its impact from a health, financial and economic perspective. This paper provides a practical guide to how FVVAs are developed and used to support investment in vaccines, ultimately leading to sustained implementation in countries. The FVVA includes a range of elements that can be broadly categorised as synthesis, vaccine development narrative and defining vaccine impact and value. Depending on the features of the disease/vaccine in question, different elements may be emphasised; however, a standardised set of elements is recommended for each FVVA. The FVVA should be developed by an expert group who represent a range of stakeholders, perspectives and geographies and ensure a fair, coherent and evidence-based assessment of vaccine value.

Guideline Development Group of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Meropenem Therapy in Neonatal Sepsis; PekingUniversity Third Hospital; Editorial Department of Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. [Clinical practice guidelines for meropenem therapy in neonatal sepsis (2024)]

Meropenem is one of the most widely used special-grade antimicrobial agents in the treatment of neonatal sepsis. However, its irrational use has led to an increasingly severe problem of bacterial multidrug resistance. The guideline was developed following standardized methods and procedures, and provides 12 recommendations specifically addressing 9 clinical issues. The recommendations cover various aspects of meropenem use in neonates, including timing of administration, recommended dosage, extended infusion, monitoring and assessment, antimicrobial adjustment strategies, treatment duration, and treatment strategies for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. The aim of the guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance for the rational use of meropenem in neonates with sepsis.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Cirrhosis Using US Visualization Score C-Triggered Abbreviated MRI

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound (US) is associated with severe visualization limitations (US Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System visualization score C) in one-third of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cirrhosis undergoing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. Data suggest abbreviated MRI (aMRI) may improve HCC screening efficacy. This study analyzed the cost-effectiveness of HCC screening strategies, including an US visualization score-based approach with aMRI, in patients with NAFLD cirrhosis.

METHODS

We constructed a Markov model simulating adults with compensated NAFLD cirrhosis in the United States undergoing HCC screening, comparing strategies of US plus visualization score, US alone, or no surveillance. We modeled aMRI in patients with visualization score C and negative US, while patients with scores A/B did US alone. We performed a sensitivity analysis comparing US plus visualization score with US plus alpha fetoprotein or no surveillance. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Sensitivity analyses were performed for all variables.

RESULTS

US plus visualization score was the most cost-effective strategy, with an ICER of $59,005 relative to no surveillance. The ICER for US alone to US plus visualization score was $822,500. On sensitivity analysis, screening using US plus visualization score remained preferred across several parameters. Even with alpha fetoprotein added to US, the US plus visualization score strategy remained cost-effective, with an ICER of $62,799 compared with no surveillance.

DISCUSSION

HCC surveillance using US visualization score-based approach, using aMRI for visualization score C, seems to be the most cost-effective strategy in patients with NAFLD cirrhosis.

Glycemic Control, Weight Management, Cardiovascular Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness of Semaglutide for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Rapid Review and Meta-analysis of Real-World Studies

INTRODUCTION

Semaglutide is a high-profile glucose-lowering drug that medical decision-makers have acknowledged in recent years. This rapid review aims to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with semaglutide.

METHODS

We conducted a rapid review of randomized controlled trial (RCT)-based meta-analyses (MAs) and systematic reviews (SRs) of cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) compared to other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) or placebo in patients with T2DM. Prospective cohort real-world studies (RWS) were also retrieved and subjected to MA. Four databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and ISPOR, were searched from inception to 5 March 2023. The outcomes of interest were hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body weight, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and economic outcomes such as quality-adjusted life-years and total cost.

RESULTS

We identified 33 publications: 22 RCT-based MAs, 1 SR of CEAs, and 10 RWS. Evidence showed that semaglutide at usual doses was associated with superior reductions in HbA1c and weight compared to most GLP-1 RAs in patients with T2DM who were drug naive, receiving basal insulin, or using oral hypoglycemic agents, and it was also associated with a lower number of MACE and was more cost-effective. Further, once-weekly semaglutide resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (-1.1%) and body weight (-4.88 kg) in routine clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

This review consolidates the positive current evidence base for prescribing semaglutide to patients with T2DM, but further rigorous studies are still urgently required to develop practice guidelines as innovative drugs become commercially available.

Patients on vitamin K treatment: is switching to direct-acting oral anticoagulation cost-effective? A target trial on a prospective cohort

AIMS

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have, to a substantial degree, replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKA) as treatments for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, evidence on the real-world causal effects of switching patients from VKA to DOAC is lacking. We aimed to assess the empirical incremental cost-effectiveness of switching patients to DOAC compared with maintaining VKA treatment.

METHODS

The target trial approach was applied to the prospective observational Swiss-AF cohort, which enrolled 2415 AF patients from 2014 to 2017. Clinical data, healthcare resource utilisation and EQ-5D-based utilities representing quality of life were collected in yearly follow-ups. Health insurance claims were available for 1024 patients (42.4%). Overall survival, quality-of-life, costs from the Swiss statutory health insurance perspective and cost-effectiveness were estimated by emulating a target trial in which patients were randomly assigned to switch to DOAC or maintain VKA treatment.

RESULTS

228 patients switching from VKA to DOAC compared with 563 patients maintaining VKA treatment had no overall survival advantage over a 5-year observation period (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.45, 1.55). The estimated gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0.003 over the 5-year period at an incremental costs of CHF 23 033 (€ 20 940). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was CHF 425 852 (€ 387 138) per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying a causal inference method to real-world data, we could not demonstrate switching to DOACs to be cost-effective for AF patients with at least 1 year of VKA treatment. Our estimates align with results from a previous randomised trial.

Short-term economic evaluation of physical activity-based corporate health programs: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Corporate health programs (CHPs) aim to improve employees' health through health promotion strategies at the workplace. Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in primary prevention, leading many companies to implement PA-based CHPs. However, there is limited examination in the scientific literature on whether PA-based CHPs (PA-CHPs) lead to economic benefits. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available literature on the economic aspects of PA-CHPs.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies focused on PA-CHPs targeting healthy sedentary workers and reporting at least one economic outcome, such as return on investment (ROI), costs, or sick leave.

RESULTS

Of 1036 studies identified by our search strategy, 11 studies involving 60 020 participants met the inclusion criteria. The mean (±SD) cost per capita for PA-CHPs was estimated as 359€ (±238€) (95% CI, 357-361€). In 75% of the studies, the net savings generated by PA-CHPs in 12 months were reported, with an average of 1095€ (±865€) (95% CI, 496-1690€). ROI was assessed in 50% of the included studies, with an average of 3.6 (±1.41) (95% CI, 2.19-5.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, PA-CHPs have the potential to generate significant economic returns. However, the heterogeneity among the existing studies highlights the need for standardization and accurate reporting of costs in future research.

The IDEAL framework for surgical robotics: development, comparative evaluation and long-term monitoring

The next generation of surgical robotics is poised to disrupt healthcare systems worldwide, requiring new frameworks for evaluation. However, evaluation during a surgical robot's development is challenging due to their complex evolving nature, potential for wider system disruption and integration with complementary technologies like artificial intelligence. Comparative clinical studies require attention to intervention context, learning curves and standardized outcomes. Long-term monitoring needs to transition toward collaborative, transparent and inclusive consortiums for real-world data collection. Here, the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term monitoring (IDEAL) Robotics Colloquium proposes recommendations for evaluation during development, comparative study and clinical monitoring of surgical robots-providing practical recommendations for developers, clinicians, patients and healthcare systems. Multiple perspectives are considered, including economics, surgical training, human factors, ethics, patient perspectives and sustainability. Further work is needed on standardized metrics, health economic assessment models and global applicability of recommendations.

Population impact and cost-effectiveness of artificial intelligence-based diabetic retinopathy screening in people living with diabetes in Australia: a cost effectiveness analysis

Background

We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-(AI) based diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening system in the primary care setting for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous people living with diabetes in Australia.

Methods

We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis between January 01, 2022 and August 01, 2023. A decision-analytic Markov model was constructed to simulate DR progression in a population of 1,197,818 non-Indigenous and 65,160 Indigenous Australians living with diabetes aged ≥20 years over 40 years. From a healthcare provider's perspective, we compared current practice to three primary care AI-based screening scenarios-(A) substitution of current manual grading, (B) scaling up to patient acceptance level, and (C) achieving universal screening. Study results were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and net monetary benefits (NMB). A Willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of AU$50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and a discount rate of 3.5% were adopted in this study.

Findings

With the status quo, the non-Indigenous diabetic population was projected to develop 96,269 blindness cases, resulting in AU$13,039.6 m spending on DR screening and treatment during 2020-2060. In comparison, all three intervention scenarios were effective and cost-saving. In particular, if a universal screening program was to be implemented (Scenario C), it would prevent 38,347 blindness cases, gain 172,090 QALYs and save AU$595.8 m, leading to a BCR of 3.96 and NMB of AU$9,200 m. Similar findings were also reported in the Indigenous population. With the status quo, 3,396 Indigenous individuals would develop blindness, which would cost the health system AU$796.0 m during 2020-2060. All three intervention scenarios were cost-saving for the Indigenous population. Notably, universal AI-based DR screening (Scenario C) would prevent 1,211 blindness cases and gain 9,800 QALYs in the Indigenous population, leading to a saving of AU$19.2 m with a BCR of 1.62 and NMB of AU$509 m.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that implementing AI-based DR screening in primary care is highly effective and cost-saving in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

Funding

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government: the National Critical Research Infrastructure Initiative, Medical Research Future Fund (MRFAI00035) and the NHMRC Investigator Grant (APP1175405). The contents of the published material are solely the responsibility of the Administering Institution, a participating institution or individual authors and do not reflect the views of the NHMRC. This work was supported by the Global STEM Professorship Scheme (P0046113), the Fundamental Research Funds of the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Project of Investigation on Health Status of Employees in Financial Industry in Guangzhou, China (Z012014075). The Centre for Eye Research Australia receives Operational Infrastructure Support from the Victorian State Government. W.H. is supported by the Melbourne Research Scholarship established by the University of Melbourne. The funding source had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Cost-effectiveness of Lifestyle Africa: an adaptation of the diabetes prevention programme for delivery by community health workers in urban South Africa

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle Africa is an adapted version of the Diabetes Prevention Program designed for delivery by community health workers to socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Results from the Lifestyle Africa trial conducted in an under-resourced community in South Africa indicated that the programme had a significant effect on reducing haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the cost of implementation and the cost-effectiveness (in cost per point reduction in HbA1c) of the Lifestyle Africa programme to inform decision-makers of the resources required and the value of this intervention.

METHODS

Interviews were held with project administrators to identify the activities and resources required to implement the intervention. A direct-measure micro-costing approach was used to determine the number of units and unit cost for each resource. The incremental cost per one point improvement in HbA1c was calculated.

RESULTS

The intervention equated to 71 United States dollars (USD) in implementation costs per participant and a 0.26 improvement in HbA1c per participant.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle Africa reduced HbA1c for relatively little cost and holds promise for addressing chronic disease in LMIC. Decision-makers should consider the comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this intervention when making resource allocation decisions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration is at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03342274).

Projected Impact of Nonpharmacologic Management of Stage 1 Hypertension Among Lower-Risk US Adults

Background

The 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines newly classified 31 million US adults as having stage 1 hypertension. The ACC/AHA guidelines recommend behavioral change without pharmacology for the low-risk portion of this group. However, the nationwide reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated healthcare expenditures achievable by evidence-based dietary improvements, sustained weight loss, adequate physical activity, and alcohol moderation remain unquantified. We estimated the effect of systolic BP (SBP) control and behavioral changes on 10-year CVD outcomes and costs.

Methods

We used the CVD Policy Model to simulate CVD events, mortality, and healthcare costs among US adults aged 35-64. We simulated interventions on a target population, identified from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, with low-risk stage 1 systolic hypertension: defined as untreated SBP 130-139 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg; no history of CVD, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease; and low 10-year risk of CVD. We used published meta-analyses and trials to estimate the effects of behavior modification on SBP. We assessed the extent to which intermittent healthcare utilization or partial uptake of nonpharmacologic therapy would decrease CVD events prevented.

Results

Controlling SBP to <130 mmHg among the estimated 8.8 million U.S. adults (51% women) in the target population could prevent 26,100 CVD events, avoid 2,900 deaths, and save $1.6 billion in healthcare costs over 10 years. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet could prevent 16,000 CVD events among men and 12,000 among women over a decade. Other nonpharmacologic interventions could avert between 3,700 and 19,500 CVD events. However, only 5.5 million (61%) of the target population regularly utilized healthcare where recommended clinician counseling could occur.

Conclusions

As only two-thirds of U.S. adults with Stage 1 hypertension regularly receive medical care, substantial benefits to cardiovascular health and associated costs may only stem from policies that promote widespread adoption and sustained adherence of nonpharmacologic therapy. Future work should quantify the population-level costs, benefits, and efficacy of improving the food system and local infrastructure on health behavior change.

The financial burden of diabetes-related foot disease in Australia: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is a common, costly, and severe complication of diabetes mellitus. DFD is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality and poses a significant burden on patients, healthcare systems and society. While the detrimental impact of DFD is widely recognised, the precise financial implications of its management in Australia remain unclear due to inconsistent and inconclusive contemporary data. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify, summarise and synthesise existing evidence to estimate the costs associated with DFD management in Australia.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP, and the Cochrane Library from November 2011 to July 2023. Australian studies investigating costs associated with DFD management were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment steps. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS 2022) checklist was used to assess study quality. A descriptive analysis was performed due to limited existing evidence and large heterogeneity between study populations to conduct meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Three economic evaluations were included in the review. One study was rated as 'poor', one as 'very good' and one as 'excellent' when assessed against the CHEERS checklist. The estimated cost of DFD management varied between studies and comparisons were not possible due to the different methodological approaches and data sources. The studies were unable to provide an overall cost of DFD with respect to all aspects of care as they did not capture the multi-faceted level of care throughout the entire patient journey between sectors and over time.

CONCLUSION

There is limited contemporary evidence for the costs associated with DFD management within Australia, particularly related to direct costs and resource utilisation. Further research into the economic impact of DFD management is needed to inform optimisation of national service delivery and improve health outcomes for individuals with DFD in Australia. Integrating real-world data on impact of clinical interventions with parallel economic evaluation could be a valuable approach for future research, which would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical and economic outcomes beyond solely model-based evaluations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42022290910.

Análise de custo-efetividade do tratamento com terapia compressiva na cicatrização de úlceras venosas

Objetivo: analisar a custo-efetividade e calcular a razão de custoefetividade incremental do tratamento compressivo multicamadas em relação ao inelástico (bota de Unna e curto estiramento) de acordo com a literatura atual. Método: estudo quantitativo sobre custo-efetividade por meio de modelagem com auxílio do software TreeAge® para a construção da árvore de decisão. Os pressupostos anunciados foram obtidos pelo uso de dados secundários de literatura para estimativa do custo e efetividade dos parâmetros assumidos. Para tal, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de literatura com metanálise. Resultados: a árvore de decisão, após Roll Back mostrou que a terapia multicamadas dominou as alternativas no caso-base, representando custo intermediário por aplicação, porém, com a maior efetividade. O gráfico da análise de custo-efetividade também mostrou uma dominância estendida da bota de Unna em relação à bandagem de curto estiramento. A análise de sensibilidade mostrou que a bandagem multicamadas permanece como alternativa mais custo-efetiva, dentro do limiar de disposição para pagar. Conclusão: a alternativa com maior custo-efetividade foi a bandagem multicamadas, considerada padrão ouro na literatura. A segunda alternativa mais custo-efetiva foi a bota de Unna, terapia mais utilizada no Brasil.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment with compressive therapy in the healing of venous ulcers

Objective: to analyze the cost-effectiveness and calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of multilayer compressive treatment in relation to inelastic (Unna boot and short stretch) therapy according to the current literature. Method: quantitative study about cost-effectiveness through modeling with the aid of TreeAge® software for construction of the decision tree. The anticipated assumptions were obtained by using secondary literature data to estimate the cost and effectiveness of the assumed parameters. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis was performed for this end. Results: the decision tree after Roll Back showed that the multilayer therapy dominated the alternatives in the base case, representing an intermediate cost per application, although with the highest effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness analysis graph also showed extended dominance of the Unna boot in relation to the short stretch bandage. The sensitivity analysis showed that multilayer bandage remains a more cost-effective alternative, within the threshold of willingness to pay. Conclusion: the most cost-effective alternative was multilayer bandage, considered the gold standard in the literature. The second most cost-effective alternative was the Unna boot, the most used therapy in Brazil.

Real-World Cost-Effectiveness of Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Target Trial Approach

OBJECTIVES

Randomized controlled trials of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) have proven the procedure's efficacy. Studies assessing its empirical cost-effectiveness outside randomized trial settings are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of PVI versus medical therapy for AF.

METHODS

We followed a target trial approach using the Swiss-AF cohort, a prospective observational cohort study that enrolled patients with AF between 2014 and 2017. Resource utilization and cost information were collected through claims data. Quality of life was measured with EQ-5D-3L utilities. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) from the perspective of the Swiss statutory health insurance system.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing PVI compared with medical therapy had a 5-year overall survival advantage with a hazard ratio of 0.75 (95% CI 0.46-1.21; P = .69) and a 19.8% SD improvement in quality of life (95% CI 15.5-22.9; P < .001), at an incremental cost of 29 604 Swiss francs (CHF) (95% CI 16 354-42 855; P < .001). The estimated ICER was CHF 158 612 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained within a 5-year time horizon. Assuming similar health effects and costs over 5 additional years changed the ICER to CHF 82 195 per QALY gained. Results were robust to the sensitivity analyses performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that PVI might be a cost-effective intervention within the Swiss healthcare context in a 10-year time horizon, but unlikely to be so at 5 years, if a willingness-to-pay threshold of CHF 100 000 per QALY gained is assumed. Given data availability, we find target trial designs are a valuable tool for assessing the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions outside of randomized controlled trial settings.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of nirsevimab and maternal RSVpreF vaccine strategies for prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus disease among infants in Canada: a simulation study

Background

The cost-effectiveness of immunisation strategies with a long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) and/or a protein-based maternal vaccine (RSVpreF) for protecting infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated illness has not been previously determined for Canada. We estimated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of nirsevimab for immunising the entire birth cohort, regardless of gestational age or other risk factors. Additionally, we evaluated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of a combined strategy of year-round vaccination of pregnant women with RSVpreF and immunisation of infants at high risk, including those born preterm or with chronic conditions, with nirsevimab during the RSV season.

Methods

We developed a discrete-event simulation model, parameterized with the data on medically-attended RSV infections among infants under one year of age from 2010 to 2019, including outpatient care, hospitalisations, and deaths. Intervention scenarios targeting twelve monthly birth cohorts and pregnant women, reflecting the 2021 census data for Ontario, Canada were evaluated over a follow-up time horizon of one year from birth. Taking into account the costs (in 2023 Canadian dollars) associated with RSV-related outcomes, we calculated the net monetary benefit using the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Further, we determined the range of price-per-dose (PPD) for nirsevimab and RSVpreF within which the program was cost-effective. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted from both healthcare and societal perspectives.

Findings

Using a willingness-to-pay of CAD$50,000 per QALY gained, we found that immunising the entire birth cohort with nirsevimab would be cost-effective from a societal perspective for a PPD of up to $290, with an annual budget impact of $83,978 for 1113 infants per 100,000 population. An alternative, combined strategy of vaccinating pregnant women and immunising only infants at high risk of severe disease would lead to a lower budget impact of $49,473 per 100,000 population with a PPD of $290 and $195 for nirsevimab and RSVpreF vaccine, respectively. This combined strategy would reduce infant mortality by 76%-85%, comparable to a 78% reduction achieved through a nirsevimab-only program of the entire birth cohort. The PPD for cost-effective programs with nirsevimab was sensitive to the target population among infants.

Interpretation

Passive immunisation of infants under 6 months of age with nirsevimab and vaccination of pregnant women with RSVpreF could be a cost-effective strategy for protecting infants during their first RSV season.

Funding

This study was supported by the Canadian Immunisation Research Network (CIRN) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Seyed M. Moghadas acknowledges support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (MfPH and Discovery grants). Alison P. Galvani acknowledges support from the The Notsew Orm Sands Foundation.

A comparative analysis of the cost-utility of the Philippine tax on sweetened beverages as proposed and as implemented

Background

In response to increasing overweight and obesity, the Philippine government introduced a tax on sweetened beverages (SBs) in 2018. Evidence suggests that the beverage industry influenced the final tax design, making it more favourable for industry than the initially proposed bill. This study aimed to compare the relative health and economic benefits of the proposed SB tax with the implemented SB tax.

Methods

Philippine dietary consumption data were combined with price elasticity data from Mexico and data from Australia adapted to the Philippine context to estimate reductions in SB purchases and changes in body mass index (BMI) following the implementation of the tax. A multi-state, multiple-cohort Markov model was used to estimate the change in health-adjusted life years (HALYs) due to reduction in the epidemiology of obesity-related diseases, healthcare cost savings and government taxation revenue, resulting from both the proposed and implemented tax policies, over the lifetime of the 2018 Philippine population.

Findings

The proposed and implemented taxes were modelled to be dominant (cost-saving and improving health). Intervention costs were modelled to be PHP305.2 million (M) (approximately US$6M). Compared to the proposed tax, the implemented tax was modelled to result in a 43.0% smaller reduction in targeted beverage intake (51.1 ml/person/day vs. 89.7 ml/person/day), a 43.5% smaller reduction in BMI (0.35 kg/m2 vs. 0.62 kg/m2), 39.7% fewer HALYs gained (2,503,118 vs. 4,149,030), 39.9% fewer healthcare cost savings (PHP16.4 billion (B) vs. PHP27.3B), and 27.7% less government taxation revenue (PHP426.3B vs. PHP589.4B).

Interpretation

While the implemented tax in the Philippines will benefit population health, it is likely to yield less benefit than the proposed tax. The influence of the food and beverage industry on policy processes has the potential to lessen the benefits of population NCD prevention policies.

Funding

OH was supported to conduct this research by an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship. The funding body had no role in data collection and analysis, or manuscript preparation.

Cost-effectiveness of Prefusion F Protein-based Vaccines Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease for Older Adults in the United States

BACKGROUND

Two prefusion F protein-based vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, have been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for protecting older adults against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract illness. We evaluated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines.

METHODS

We developed a discrete-event simulation model, parameterized with the burden of RSV disease including outpatient care, hospitalization, and death for adults aged 60 years or older in the United States. Taking into account the costs associated with these RSV-related outcomes, we calculated the net monetary benefit using quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained as a measure of effectiveness and determined the range of price-per-dose (PPD) for Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccination programs to be cost-effective from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

Using a willingness-to-pay of $95 000 per QALY gained, we found that vaccination programs could be cost-effective for a PPD up to $127 with Arexvy and $118 with Abrysvo over the first RSV season. Achieving an influenza-like vaccination coverage of 66% for the population of older adults in the United States, the budget impact of these programs at the maximum PPD ranged from $6.48 to $6.78 billion. If the benefits of vaccination extend to a second RSV season as reported in clinical trials, we estimated a maximum PPD of $235 for Arexvy and $245 for Abrysvo, with 2-year budget impacts of $11.78 and $12.25 billion, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination of older adults would provide substantial direct health benefits by reducing outcomes associated with RSV-related illness in this population.

Healthy grocery delivery in the usual care for adults recovering from an acute coronary event: protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Coronary heart disease is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Appropriate nutrition is a cornerstone of the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease; however, barriers including cost and access to recommended foods limits long-term adherence for many. We are conducting, in adults with coronary heart disease, a randomised controlled trial comparing usual care with two dietary interventions in which usual care is augmented by 12 weeks free delivered groceries.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Three hundred adults recovering from an acute coronary event will be recruited from outpatient cardiovascular services in three regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants will be randomly allocated to three arms: usual care (control group), usual care and the free delivery of foods high in dietary fibre or usual care and the free delivery of foods high in unsaturated fats. Interventions duration is 12 weeks, with a further 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome measures are change in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration following the intervention, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of healthcare access and social costs in the year after the intervention. A broad range of secondary outcome measures include other blood lipids, anthropometry, glycaemia, inflammatory markers, gut microbiome, dietary biomarkers, food acceptability, dietary change and the facilitators and barriers to dietary change. The trial will determine whether the free provision of groceries known to reduce cardiovascular risk within usual care will be clinically beneficial and justify the cost of doing so. Results may also provide an indication of the relative benefit of foods rich in dietary fibre or unsaturated fats in coronary heart disease management.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial, The Healthy Heart Study, has Health and Disability Ethics Committee approval (20/NTB/121), underwent Māori consultation, and has locality authority to be conducted in Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12620000689976, U1111-1250-1499.

Modeling the impact of a long-term horizon and multiple treatment episodes on estimates of the cost-effectiveness of alcohol treatment in the United States

BACKGROUND

Most clinical studies of alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment have short follow-up periods, underestimating the full benefits of alcohol treatment. Furthermore, clinical studies only consider one treatment cycle and do not account for the need for multiple episodes to treat a chronic recurrent condition.

METHODS

A validated microsimulation model of the long-term drinking patterns of people with AUD in the United States simulated 10,000 individuals resembling those from a large clinical trial. The model was used to assess the impact of (1) 1-year, 5-year, and lifetime horizon on alcohol treatment cost-effectiveness estimates and (2) no, one, two, four, and unlimited additional treatment episodes on alcohol treatment cost-effectiveness estimates. Model outcomes included healthcare costs, crime costs, labor market productivity, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), alcohol-related hospitalizations, and deaths. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted for two perspectives: a healthcare perspective that included costs from hospitalization and AUD treatment, and a broader societal perspective that also included crime costs and productivity.

RESULTS

The incremental cost per additional QALY gained for alcohol treatment compared with no treatment decreased from $55,590 after 1 year to $78 when healthcare costs and QALYs were tracked over the lifetime, that is, treatment became more cost effective. Treatment was cost saving for any time frame when the impacts on crime and labor productivity were also accounted for in a societal perspective. Access to multiple treatment episodes dominated (i.e., it was more effective and less costly) than no-treatment and one-episode scenarios. From a healthcare perspective, incremental costs per additional QALY for increasing from a maximum of two to four treatment episodes was $499 and from four to unlimited episodes was $5049. The unlimited treatment scenario dominated all others from a societal perspective. Results were robust in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

A long-term perspective and multiple episodes of alcohol treatment improve cost-effectiveness estimates. When societal impacts are included, alcohol treatment is cost saving. Results support the value of alcohol treatment.

Estimation of non-health gross domestic product (NHGDP) loss due to COVID-19 deaths in West Bengal, India

OBJECTIVES

The state of West Bengal witnessed a significant surge of COVID-19 in all three waves. However, there is a gap in understanding the economic loss associated with COVID-19. This study estimates future non-health gross domestic product (NHGDP) losses associated with COVID-19 deaths in West Bengal, India.

SETTING

Various open domains were used to gather data on COVID-19 deaths in West Bengal and the aforementioned estimates.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The NHGDP losses were evaluated using the cost-of-illness approach. Future NHGDP losses were discounted at 3%. Excess death estimates by the WHO and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) were used. Sensitivity analysis was carried out by varying discount rates and average age of death (AAD).

RESULTS

21 532 deaths in West Bengal from 17 March 2020 to 31 December 2022 decreased the future NHGDP by $0.92 billion. Nearly 90% of loss was due to deaths occurring in the age group of 30 years and above. Majority of the NHGDP loss was borne by the 46-60 years age group. NHGDP loss/death was $55,171; however, the average loss/death declined with rise in age. Based on the GBD and WHO excess death estimates, the NHGDP loss increased to $9.38 billion and $9.42 billion, respectively. When the lower age interval is considered as AAD, the NHGDP loss increased to $1.3 billion. At 5% and 10% discount rates, the losses reduced to $0.767 billion and $0.549 billion, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the study suggest that COVID-19 contributed to a major economic loss in West Bengal. The mortality and morbidity caused by COVID-19, the substantial economic costs at individual and population levels in West Bengal, and probably across India and other countries, is another economic argument for better infection control strategies across the globe to minimise the impact of COVID-19.

A cost benefit analysis of a virtual overdose monitoring service/mobile overdose response service: the national overdose response service

BACKGROUND

The overdose crisis continues across Canada which calls for novel harm reduction strategies. Previous research indicates that a majority of eHealth solutions are cost-effective however current literature on the cost-benefit of eHealth for harm reduction is sparse. The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) is a Canada-wide telephone-based harm reduction service. Service users can call the phone number and connect to a peer who can virtually monitor the substance use session and dispatch appropriate interventions in the case of overdose.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH/PROJECT

We aim to assess the cost-benefit of NORS by comparing the estimated cost-savings from prevented overdose mortality to the operating costs of the program, alongside healthcare costs associated with its operation.

METHODS

Data around systems costs and operational costs were gathered for our calculations. Our primary outcome was cost-benefit ratios, derived from estimates and models of mortality rates in current literature and value of life lost. We presented our main results across a range of values for costs and the probability of death following an unwitnessed overdose. These values were utilized to calculate cost-benefit ratios and value per dollar spent on service provision by NORS over the length of the program's operation (December 2020-2022).

RESULTS

Over the total funded lifespan of the program, and using a Monte Carlo estimate, the benefit-to-cost ratio of the NORS program was 8.59 (1.53-15.28) per dollar spent, depending on estimated mortality rates following unwitnessed overdose and program operation costs. Further, we conservatively estimate that early community-based naloxone intervention results in healthcare system savings of $4470.82 per overdose response.

CONCLUSIONS

We found the NORS program to have a positive benefit-to-cost ratio when the probability of death following an unwitnessed overdose was greater than 5%. NORS and potentially other virtual overdose monitoring services have the potential to be cost-effective solutions for managing the drug poisoning crisis.

Estimating the Lifetime Medical Cost Burden of an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patient

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) has the potential for curative outcomes for a variety of hematologic malignancies. Current allo-HCT studies often describe the outcomes and costs in the near term; however, research on the lifetime economic burden post-allo-HCT remains limited. This study was conducted to estimate the average total lifetime direct medical costs of an allo-HCT patient and the potential net monetary savings from an alternative treatment associated with improved graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS). A disease-state model was constructed using a short-term decision tree and a long-term semi-Markov partitioned survival model to estimate the average per-patient lifetime cost and expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for an allo-HCT patient from a US healthcare system perspective. Key clinical inputs included overall survival, GRFS, incidence of both acute and chronic GVHD, relapse of the primary disease, and infections. Cost results were reported as ranges based on varying the percentage of chronic GVHD patients that remained on treatment after 2 years (15% or 39%). Over a lifetime, the average per-patient medical cost of allo-HCT was estimated to range from $942,373 to $1,247,917. The majority of the costs were for chronic GVHD treatment (37% to 53%), followed by the allo-HCT procedure (15% to 19%). The expected lifetime QALYs of an allo-HCT patient were estimated as 4.7. Lifetime per-patient treatment costs often exceed $1,000,000 for allo-HCT patients. Innovative research efforts focused on the reduction or elimination of late complications, particularly chronic GVHD, may provide the greatest value to improved patient outcomes.

Basics of health economics for clinical trials in orthopaedic trauma

With the rise in global healthcare spending, medical decision-making is increasingly based on health economics outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis (CUA), including their advantages and limitations, and outline practical aspects for implementing health economics in clinical trials for orthopaedic trauma. Both CEA and CUA offer several advantages. Firstly, they consider the costs as well as benefits of an intervention, providing a more comprehensive picture of its economic impact. Secondly, they provide a clear and straightforward metric for comparing interventions, which can help decision-makers make informed choices. However, there are methodological shortcomings that must be acknowledged, such as the lack of standardized instruments for assessing health utility measures, which can result in a wide range of cost-benefit ratios. In addition, a consensus on the willingness-to-pay threshold still needs to be reached to develop decision rules for cost-effectiveness similar to clinical effectiveness. Methods such as CEA and CUA should be incorporated into clinical trials in orthopaedic trauma research. Practical aspects for this include planning in advance, preferably in cooperation with a health economist. Selecting appropriate outcome measures is crucial, and both the medical effects of interventions and quality of life instruments should be carefully chosen to ensure comparability with previous studies. Additionally, the potential impact on clinical practice and healthcare policies should be considered. Direct as well as indirect costs should be assessed, and quality assurance with well-established checklists should be confirmed.

Robotic and laparoscopic gynaecological surgery: a prospective multicentre observational cohort study and economic evaluation in England

OBJECTIVE

To compare the health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) versus conventional 'straight stick' laparoscopic surgery (CLS) in women undergoing hysterectomy as part of their treatment for either suspected or proven gynaecological malignancy.

DESIGN

Multicentre prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Patients aged 16+ undergoing hysterectomy as part of their treatment for gynaecological malignancy at 12 National Health Service (NHS) cancer units and centres in England between August 2017 and February 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

275 patients recruited with 159 RALS, 73 CLS eligible for analysis.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life measure (EORTC). Secondary outcomes included EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) utility, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), NHS costs using pounds sterling (£) 2018-2019 prices and cost-effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness evaluation compared EQ-5D-5L quality adjusted life years and costs between RALS and CLS.

RESULTS

No difference identified between RALS and CLS for EORTC, EQ-5D-5L utility and 6MWT. RALS had unadjusted mean cost difference of £556 (95% CI -£314 to £1315) versus CLS and mean quality adjusted life year (QALY) difference of 0.0024 (95% CI -0.00051 to 0.0057), non-parametric incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £231 667per QALY. For the adjusted cost-effectiveness analysis, RALS dominated CLS with a mean cost difference of -£188 (95% CI -£1321 to £827) and QALY difference of 0.0024 (95% CI -0.0008 to 0.0057).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that RALS versus CLS in women undergoing hysterectomy (after adjusting for differences in morbidity) is cost-effective with lower costs and QALYs. Results are highly sensitive to the usage of robotic hardware with higher usage increasing the probability of cost-effectiveness. Non-inferiority randomised controlled trial would be of benefit to decision-makers to provide further evidence on the cost-effectiveness of RALS versus CLS but may not be practical due to surgical preferences of surgeons and the extensive roll out of RALS.

Cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions for prevention and management of cognitive decline and dementia-a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Although increasing physical activity (PA) has been suggested to prevent and manage cognitive decline and dementia, its economic impact on healthcare systems and society is largely unknown. This study aimed to summarize evidence on the cost-effectiveness of PA interventions to prevent and manage cognitive decline and dementia.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and ScienceDirect, were searched from January 2000 to July 2023. The search strategy was driven by a combination of subject-heading terms related to physical activity, cognitive function, dementia, and cost-effectiveness. Selected studies were included in narrative synthesis, and extracted data were presented in narrative and tabular forms. The risk of bias in each study was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list.

RESULTS

Five of the 11 identified studies focused on individuals with existing dementia. Six of the 11 identified studies focused on individuals with no existing dementia, including 3 on those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 3 on those with no existing MCI or dementia. PA interventions focused on individuals with no existing dementia were found to be cost-effective compared to the control group. Findings were mixed for PA interventions implemented in individuals with existing dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

PA interventions implemented before or during the early stage of cognitive impairment may be cost-effective in reducing the burden of dementia. More research is needed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of PA interventions in managing dementia. Most existing studies used short-term outcomes in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of PA interventions in the prevention and management of dementia; future research should consider adding long-term outcomes to strengthen the study design.

Financial costs of pediatric cancer management in Africa: systematic review

The high costs of cancer treatment and the lack of investment in health care are significant barriers to public health on the African continent. The objective of this study was to investigate the financial cost of children cancer treating in sub-Saharan Africa. We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies between March 2000 and December 2022. We selected articles that specifically addressed the US dollar financial costs of childhood cancer in African countries. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated. We also calculated the economic burden of childhood cancer at the individual level, by dividing the direct costs of cancer per patient by the GDP per capita, PPP of the country studied. The quality of economic studies was assessed using the CHEERS (2022) 28-point checklist. A total of 17 studies met our eligibility criteria. The median (IQR) of total childhood cancer costs by region was $909.5 ($455.3-$1,765) and ranged from $88803.10 for neuroblastoma to $163.80 for lymphoma. No significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for comparisons of the direct cost of childhood cancer between the geopolitical zone of sub-Saharan Africa. Differences in the direct costs of childhood cancer were significant for different cancer types (p < 0.05). In the majority of 17 out of 54 countries on Africa the continent, the economic burden of childhood cancer exceeds 80% of GDP per capita, PPP, up to 345.38% of Nigeria's GDP for Rhabdomyosarcoma. The cost of treating childhood cancers is high in Africa is catastrophic, if not downright prohibitive for households in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that the data from our study will be able to help make different objective advocacy allowing it to be provided with funds based of the evidence that can strengthen this program in order to install cancerology structures in the countries and by following the system plan. Cost reduction in the treatment of childhood cancer in particular and in general all types of cancer.

Systematic review registration

Approval of the study was given by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lubumbashi (UNILU/CEM/135/2018) and (UNILU/CEM/096/2019).

The health and economic impact and cost effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya: a stakeholder engaged modelling study

BACKGROUND

The global increase in mean body mass index has resulted in a substantial increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including in many low- and middle-income countries such as Kenya. This paper assesses four interventions for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Kenya to determine their potential health and economic impact and cost effectiveness.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature to identify evidence of effect, determine the intervention costs, disease costs and total healthcare costs. We used a proportional multistate life table model to quantify the potential impacts on health conditions and healthcare costs, modelling the 2019 Kenya population over their remaining lifetime. Considering a health system perspective, two interventions were assessed for cost-effectiveness. In addition, we used the Human Capital Approach to estimate productivity gains.

RESULTS

Over the lifetime of the 2019 population, impacts were estimated at 203,266 health-adjusted life years (HALYs) (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 163,752 - 249,621) for a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, 151,718 HALYs (95% UI 55,257 - 250,412) for mandatory kilojoule menu labelling, 3.7 million HALYs (95% UI 2,661,365-4,789,915) for a change in consumption levels related to supermarket food purchase patterns and 13.1 million HALYs (95% UI 11,404,317 - 15,152,341) for a change in national consumption back to the 1975 average levels of energy intake. This translates to 4, 3, 73 and 261 HALYs per 1,000 persons. Lifetime healthcare cost savings were approximately United States Dollar (USD) 0.14 billion (USD 3 per capita), USD 0.08 billion (USD 2 per capita), USD 1.9 billion (USD 38 per capita) and USD 6.2 billion (USD 124 per capita), respectively. Lifetime productivity gains were approximately USD 1.8 billion, USD 1.2 billion, USD 28 billion and USD 92 billion. Both the 20% tax on sugar sweetened beverages and the mandatory kilojoule menu labelling were assessed for cost effectiveness and found dominant (health promoting and cost-saving).

CONCLUSION

All interventions evaluated yielded substantive health gains and economic benefits and should be considered for implementation in Kenya.

Should Nicotine Replacement Therapy be Provided Free of Charge? A Cost-Utility Analysis in Sweden

INTRODUCTION

Treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during an attempt to quit smoking increases the likelihood of success by about 55%. However, out-of-pocket payment for NRT can hinder its use.

AIMS AND METHODS

This study aims therefore to assess the cost-effectiveness of subsidizing NRT in Sweden. A homogeneous cohort-based Markov model was used to assess the lifetime costs and effects of subsidized NRT from a payer and societal perspective. Data to populate the model were retrieved from the literature, and selected parameters were varied in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of model outputs. Costs are presented in USD, year 2021.

RESULTS

A 12-week treatment with NRT was estimated to cost USD 632 (474-790) per person. From a societal perspective, subsidized NRT was a cost-saving alternative in 98.5% of the simulations. NRT is cost-saving across all ages, but the health and economic gains are somewhat larger among younger smokers from a societal perspective. When a payer perspective was used, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated at 14 480 (11 721-18 515) USD per QALY which was cost-effective at a willingness to pay of 50 000 USD per QALY in 100 % of the simulations. Results were robust with realistic changes in the inputs during scenario and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Subsidizing NRT is potentially a cost-saving smoking cessation strategy from a societal perspective and cost-effective from a payer perspective.

IMPLICATIONS

This study found that subsidizing NRT is potentially a cost-saving smoking cessation policy alternative compared to current practice from a societal perspective. From a healthcare payer perspective, subsidizing NRT is estimated to cost USD 14 480 to gain an extra QALY. NRT is cost-saving across all ages, but the health and economic gains are somewhat larger among younger smokers from a societal perspective. Moreover, subsidizing NRT removes the financial barriers that are mostly faced by socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers which might reduce health inequalities. Thus, future economic evaluations should further investigate the health inequality impacts with methods that are more suitable for this.

Challenges in prospective observational studies evaluating pressure ulcer costs: how to price the items correctly

OBJECTIVE

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant healthcare problem with a negative impact on patients' quality of life and incurring substantial healthcare expenses. Our study aimed to analyse the costs of treating PUs in hospitalised patients in the Czech Republic, in the context of current treatment procedures and price levels, and to pilot-test the detailed methodology developed.

METHOD

A prospective, observational, non-interventional study was conducted at the Clinic of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Medicine, the Internal Medicine Department and the Surgical Department of the University Hospital Ostrava. The study included all hospitalised patients with a PU from March-May 2021. Data were collected using the hospital information system. A bottom-up, person-based approach to cost analysis was used, based on a comprehensive cost structure using accurate patient-specific consumption records.

RESULTS

The length of hospitalisations ranged from 1-31 (mean: 12.7) days. The average cost of PU treatment per hospitalisation was calculated at €1579. The average daily cost of PU treatment was €179, including antibiotic therapy (ATB) and €112 without ATB. Most of the costs were associated with ATB (38.6%) and caregivers' time (35.9%). Based on the results, a predictive model was developed to estimate the cost of treating a hospitalised patient with a PU, which could be used in future research to assess the costs of treating these patients.

CONCLUSION

We have faced many challenges in the methodology of preparation of cost analysis (e.g., how to count amorphous topical agents and sprays, how to properly identify PUs, how to price the positioning aids and mattresses, and how to relate the ATB treatment to the PU). This analysis provides important input for developing a comprehensive and more accurate methodology for monitoring PU costs in hospitalised patients, applicable in clinical practice for inpatient healthcare providers.

Cost-Effectiveness of Surveillance after Metastasectomy of Stage IV Colorectal Cancer

Surveillance of stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) after curative-intent metastasectomy can be effective for detecting asymptomatic recurrence. Guidelines for various forms of surveillance exist but are supported by limited evidence. We aimed to determine the most cost-effective strategy for surveillance following curative-intent metastasectomy of stage IV CRC. We performed a decision analysis to compare four active surveillance strategies involving clinic visits and investigations elicited from National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommendations. Markov model inputs included data from a population-based cohort and literature-derived costs, utilities, and probabilities. The primary outcomes were costs (2021 Canadian dollars) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. Over a 10-year base-case time horizon, surveillance with follow-ups every 12 months for 5 years was most economically favourable at a willingness-to-pay threshold of CAD 50,000 per QALY. These patterns were generally robust in the sensitivity analysis. A more intensive surveillance strategy was only favourable with a much higher willingness-to-pay threshold of approximately CAD 425,000 per QALY, with follow-ups every 3 months for 2 years then every 12 months for 3 additional years. Our findings are consistent with NCCN guidelines and justify the need for additional research to determine the impact of surveillance on CRC outcomes.

Cost-Effectiveness of Prefusion F Protein-Based Vaccines Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease for Older Adults in the United States

Background

Two prefusion F protein-based vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, have been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for protecting older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract illness. We evaluated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines.

Methods

We developed a discrete-event simulation model, parameterized with the burden of RSV disease including outpatient care, hospitalization, and death for adults aged 60 years or older in the US. Taking into account the costs associated with these RSV-related outcomes, we calculated the net monetary benefit using quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained as a measure of effectiveness, and determined the range of price-per-dose (PPD) for Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccination programs to be cost-effective from a societal perspective.

Results

Using a willingness-to-pay of $95,000 per QALY gained, we found that vaccination programs could be cost-effective for a PPD under $120 with Arexvy and $111 with Abrysvo over the first RSV season. Achieving an influenza-like vaccination coverage of 66% for the population of older adults in the US, the budget impact of these programs at the maximum PPD ranged from $5.74 to $6.10 billion. If the benefits of vaccination extend to a second RSV season as reported in clinical trials, we estimated a maximum PPD of $250 for Arexvy and $233 for Abrysvo, with two-year budget impacts of $11.59 and $10.89 billion, respectively.

Conclusions

Vaccination of older adults would provide substantial direct health benefits by reducing outcomes associated with RSV-related illness in this population.

A Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses for Open Angle Glaucoma Management

PURPOSE

Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) quantify and compare both costs and measures of efficacy for different interventions. As the costs of glaucoma management to patients, payers, and physicians are increasing, we seek to investigate the role of CEAs in the field of glaucoma and how such studies impact clinical management.

METHODS

We adhered to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses" guidelines for our systematic review structure. Eligible studies included any full-text articles that investigated cost-effectiveness or cost-utility as it relates to the field of open angle glaucoma management in the United States. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the validated Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Economic Evaluations.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included in the review. Dates of publication ranged from 1983 to 2021. Most of the studies were published in the 2000s and performed CEAs in the domains of treatment/therapy, screening, and adherence for patients with primary angle open glaucoma. Of the 18 articles included, 14 focused on treatment, 2 on screening, and 2 on adherence. Most of these studies focused on the cost-effectiveness of different topical medical therapies, whereas only a few studies explored laser procedures, surgical interventions, or minimally invasive procedures. Economic models using decision analysis incorporating state-transition Markov cycles or Montecarlo simulations were widely used, however, the methodology among studies was variable, with a wide spectrum of inputs, measures of outcomes, and time horizons used.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we found that cost-effectiveness research in glaucoma in the United States remains relatively unstructured, resulting in unclear and conflicting implications for clinical management.

Cost-Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVES

The emergence of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has revolutionized the prevention of stroke related to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Several DOACs are available on the market, while the cost-effectiveness comparison among DOACs and vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) in NVAF management in Hong Kong market remains scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of DOACs and warfarin from a Hong Kong public institutional perspective to inform formulary listing decisions.

METHODS

A previously developed Markov model was adapted to simulate the lifetime disease progression of a hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients. Net monetary costs, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were computed for the following competing alternatives: warfarin, apixaban (5 mg twice daily), dabigatran (110 mg or 150 mg twice daily), and rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to address study uncertainties.

RESULTS

In base-case results, all DOACs were associated with greater QALYs improvements and lower costs than warfarin. Rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran 150 mg, dabigatran 110 mg, and warfarin resulted in net costs US dollar (USD) 8088, USD 8240, USD 8566, USD 8653, and USD 16 363 and net QALY 5.87, 6.017, 6.022, 5.98, and 5.829, respectively. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the probabilities of warfarin, rivaroxaban 20 mg, dabigatran 110 mg, dabigatran 150 mg, and apixaban 5 mg being cost-effective of 2000 iterations were 0%, 0%, 29.4%, 33.2%, and 37.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Apixaban was the most cost-effective option compared with other DOACs and warfarin in the management of NVAF; this conclusion is consistent under all the tested uncertainty scenarios.

Economic evaluations of interventions focusing on child abuse and neglect in high-income countries: a systematic review

Introduction

Child abuse and neglect are together considered to be an important public health problem with a high individual and societal burden. Different interventions have been developed to prevent, diagnose, or treat maltreatment. While their effectiveness has been synthesized in prior reviews, the analysis of their cost-effectiveness is less common. The aim of this study is to synthesize and analyse economic evaluations of interventions focusing on child abuse and neglect in high-income countries.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, EconLit, PsycInfo and NHS EED. This study follows the PRISMA guidelines and double scoring was performed. The review includes trial- and model-based economic evaluations of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment related interventions in children up to 18 years or their caregivers. Risk of bias was assessed using the CHEC-extended checklist. The results are presented in a cost-effectiveness plane.

Results

Of 5,865 search results, the full texts of 81 were analyzed, resulting in the inclusion of 11 economic evaluations. Eight of the included studies focus on prevention of child abuse and neglect, one study on diagnosis, and two on treatment. The heterogeneity between studies did not allow for the quantitative pooling of results. Most interventions were cost-effective, with the exception of one preventive and one diagnostic intervention.

Conclusion

This study was subject to some limitations, as no gray literature was included, and the selection of studies may have been arbitrary due to varying terminologies and methodologies in the field. However, the quality of studies was high, and several interventions showed promising results.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021248485, identifier: CRD42021248485.

Cost-effectiveness of hypofractionated versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy for the treatment of men with early glottic cancer: a study in the Brazilian public and private health system

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate whether hypofractionated radiotherapy (HYPOFRT) is a cost-effective strategy than conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) for early-stage glottic cancer (ESGC) in the Brazilian public and private health systems.

METHODS

Adopting the perspective of the Brazilian public and private health system as the payer, a Markov model with a lifetime horizon was built to delineate the health states for a cohort of 65-year-old men after with ESGC treated with either HYPOFRT or CFRT. Probabilities of controlled disease, local failure, distant metastasis, and death and utilities scores were extracted from randomized clinical trials. Costs were based on the public and private health system reimbursement values.

RESULTS

In the base case scenario, for both the public and private health systems, HYPOFRT dominated CFRT, being more effective and less costly, with a negative ICER of R$264.32 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (public health system) and a negative ICER of R$2870.69/ QALY (private health system). The ICER was most sensitive to the probability of local failure, controlled disease, and salvage treatment costs. For the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve indicates that there is a probability of 99.99% of HYPOFRT being cost-effective considering a willingness-to-pay threshold of R$2,000 ($905.39) per QALY (public sector) and willingness-to-pay threshold of R$16,000 ($7243.10) per QALY (private sector). The results were robust in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering a threshold of R$ 40,000 per QALY, HYPOFRT was cost-effective compared to CFRT for ESGC in the Brazilian public health system. The Net Monetary Benefit (NMB) is approximately 2,4 times (public health system) and 5,2 (private health system) higher for HYPOFRT than CFRT, which could open the opportunity of incorporating new technologies.