Bariloche: contrastes ocultos en un paraíso alpino: desigualdades socio-sanitarias en el espacio urbano / Bariloche: hidden contrasts in an alpine paradise: socio-sanitary inequalities in the urban space

INTRODUCCIÓN. La mayor parte de las desigualdades en salud observadas están relacionadas con desigualdades de otros planos de la vida social. Estudios de pequeñas áreas nos permiten visibilizar estos gradientes al descender el análisis a escalas más pequeñas. El objetivo de este estudio es relacionar la distribución espacial de enfermedad cardiovascular según condiciones de vida y lugar de atención. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Se caracterizó la ciudad de Bariloche en base a las condiciones de vida de sus vecindarios seleccionando indicadores mediante un análisis factorial. Se ubicó espacialmente a la población atendida por diabetes e hipertensión arterial en los centros de salud. Se relevaron los registros médicos de esta población para analizar sus problemas de salud. Se analizó la distribución de cada dimensión y se calcularon las proporciones de las personas atendidas según condiciones de vida y lugar de atención. RESULTADOS. Casi la mitad (47,6%) de la población vive en vecindarios con condiciones de vida deficitarias y críticas. El 63,2% de las personas atendidas en centros de salud viven en vecindarios con peores condiciones de vida. Y la identificación de un gradiente positivo: ante peores condiciones de vida, mayor es la proporción de enfermedad cardiovascular. DISCUSIÓN. En el espacio urbano se entrelazan condiciones de vida con problemas de salud, configurándose distintas posibilidades de desarrollarlos. Al interior de una ciudad, pertenecer a determinada área implica la posibilidad/imposibilidad de acceder a niveles relativos de satisfacción de necesidades y presentar determinados problemas de salud. Permite identificar grupos y zonas críticas podría ser un insumo para el diseño de políticas públicas.

INTRODUCTION. Most of the observed health inequalities are related to inequalities in other contexts of social life. Local studies allow us to visualize these variations on a smaller scale. AIM. To examine spatial distribution of cardiovascular disease based on the living conditions and geographical location of health-care attention. Materials and Methods. Bariloche was characterized according to the living conditions of its neighborhoods by the selection of indicators through a factor analysis. The population treated for diabetes or hypertension in health-care centers was spatially distributed. Health problems were obtained from medical records. The distribution of each dimension was analyzed and the proportions of treated individuals according to living conditions and location of health-care attention were obtained. RESULTS. Almost half (47.6%) of the population lived in neighborhoods with deficient and cri-tical living conditions. Of those individuals treated for diabetes and/or hypertension, 63.2% lived in the neighborhoods with the worst living conditions. A positive gradient was identified: We identified a clear correlation between the overall quality of life and cardiovascular disease. DISCUSSION. In urban space, living conditions are closely related to health problems, establi-shing different possibilities to address the latter . In a city, residency in specific neighborhoods informs the possibilities / impossibilities to access to relative levels of needs satisfaction, and to develop certain outcomes. Identification of groups and critical zones could contribute to the development of specific public policies

Hypertension bearers with high risk/big risk of cardiovascular diseases and socioeconomic and health indicators

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To correlate the number of hypertensive patients with high and very high risk for cardiovascular diseases with socioeconomic and health indicators. METHODS An ecological study carried out from the National Registry of Hypertension and Diabetes (SisHiperDia). The variable "hypertensive patients with high and very high risk" was correlated with the Human Development Index, health care costs and services, average household income per capita, per capita municipal income, number of hospital admissions in SUS, number of medical consultations in the SUS and specific mortality due to diseases of the circulatory system, considering the 27 federative units of Brazil. The data was processed in software IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics, version 22.00. The statistical analysis considered the level of significance p<0.05. RESULTS Brazilian states with more hypertensive registries in high/very high risk spend more on public health, fewer people reach the elderly age group and more deaths from diseases of the circulatory system (p<0.05). The very high risk stratum correlated with more physicians per population (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Systemic arterial hypertension has a direct impact on life expectancy and also on the economic context, since when it evolves to high and very high risk for cardiovascular diseases, it generates more expenses in health and demand more professionals, burdening the public health system. Monitoring is necessary in order to consolidate public policies to promote the health of hypertensive individuals.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Correlacionar o número de cadastros de hipertensos com risco alto e muito alto para doenças cardiovasculares com os indicadores socioeconômicos e de saúde. MÉTODOS Estudo ecológico realizado a partir do Sistema Nacional de Cadastro de Hipertensão e Diabetes (SisHiperDia). A variável "hipertensos com risco alto e muito alto" foi correlacionada ao Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano, gastos com ações e serviços de saúde, renda média domiciliar per capita, renda municipal per capita, número de internações hospitalares no SUS, número de consultas médicas no SUS e mortalidade específica por doenças do aparelho circulatório, considerando as 27 unidades federativas do Brasil. Os dados foram processados no software IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics, versão 22.00. A análise estatística considerou o nível de significância p < 0,05. RESULTADOS Estados brasileiros com mais cadastros de hipertensos em riscos alto/muito alto gastam mais na saúde pública, menos pessoas alcançam a faixa etária idosa e há mais mortes por doenças do aparelho circulatório (p < 0,05). O estrato de risco muito alto correlacionou com mais médicos por habitantes (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO A hipertensão arterial sistêmica impacta diretamente a expectativa de vida e também o contexto económico, pois, quando evolui para risco alto e muito alto, para as doenças cardiovasculares, gera mais gastos em saúde e demanda mais profissionais, onerando o sistema público de saúde. É necessário monitoramento, em busca da consolidação das políticas públicas de promoção da saúde dos hipertensos.

The Economic Burden of Heart Conditions in Brazil / Os Custos das Doenças Cardíacas no Brasil

Abstract Background: Heart conditions impose physical, social, financial and health-related quality of life limitations on individuals in Brazil. Objectives: This study assessed the economic burden of four main heart conditions in Brazil: hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine and structured telephone support for the management of heart failure was assessed. Methods: A standard cost of illness framework was used to assess the costs associated with the four conditions in 2015. The analysis assessed the prevalence of the four conditions and, in the case of myocardial infarction, also its incidence. It further assessed the conditions' associated expenditures on healthcare treatment, productivity losses from reduced employment, costs of providing formal and informal care, and lost wellbeing. The analysis was informed by a targeted literature review, data scan and modelling. All inputs and methods were validated by consulting 15 clinicians and other stakeholders in Brazil. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on a meta-analysis and economic evaluation of post-discharge programs in patients with heart failure, assessed from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (Sistema Unico de Saude). Results: Myocardial infarction imposes the greatest financial cost (22.4 billion reais/6.9 billion USD), followed by heart failure (22.1 billion reais/6.8 billion USD), hypertension (8 billion reais/2.5 billion USD) and, finally, atrial fibrillation (3.9 billion reais/1.2 billion USD). Telemedicine and structured telephone support are cost-effective interventions for achieving improvements in the management of heart failure. Conclusions: Heart conditions impose substantial loss of wellbeing and financial costs in Brazil and should be a public health priority.

Resumo Fundamento: As doenças cardíacas impõem limitações à qualidade de vida nos aspectos físicos, sociais, financeiros e de saúde no Brasil. Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou o custo de quatro importantes doenças cardíacas no Brasil: hipertensão, insuficiência cardíaca, infarto do miocárdio e fibrilação atrial. Além disso, avaliou a relação de custo-efetividade de telemedicina e suporte telefônico estruturado para o manejo de insuficiência cardíaca. Métodos: Um custo padrão da estrutura de enfermidade foi usado para avaliar os custos associados às quatro condições em 2015. Analisou-se a prevalência das quatro doenças e, em caso de infarto do miocárdio, também sua incidência. Avaliaram-se ainda as despesas associadas ao tratamento, a perda de produtividade a partir da redução do emprego, os custos do fornecimento de assistência formal e informal e o bem-estar perdido referentes às condições. A análise teve por base uma revisão de literatura-alvo, varredura de dados e modelagem. Todos os inputs e métodos foram validados por 15 clínicos consultores e outras partes interessadas no Brasil. A análise de custo-efetividade baseou-se em uma meta-análise e uma avaliação econômica de programas após a alta de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, considerados a partir da perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil. Resultados: Infarto do miocárdio acarretou o mais alto custo financeiro (R$ 22,4 bilhões/6,9 bilhões de dólares), seguido de insuficiência cardíaca (R$ 22,1 bilhões/6,8 bilhões de dólares), hipertensão (R$ 8 bilhões/2,5 bilhões de dólares) e, finalmente, fibrilação atrial (R$ 3,9 bilhões/1,2 bilhão de dólares). Telemedicina e suporte telefônico estruturado são intervenções custo-efetivas para o aprimoramento do manejo da insuficiência cardíaca. Conclusões: As doenças cardíacas determinam substanciais custos financeiros e perda de bem-estar no Brasil e deveriam ser uma prioridade de saúde pública.

Challenges on the epidemiological and economic burden of diabetes and hypertension in Mexico / Retos sobre la carga epidemiológica y económica para diabetes e hipertensión en México

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the epidemiological and economic burden of the health services demand due to diabetes and hypertension in Mexico. METHODS Evaluation study based on a time series study that had as a universe of study the assured and uninsured population that demands health services from the three main institutions of the Health System in Mexico: The Health Department, the Mexican Institute of Social Security, and Institute of Services and Social Security for State Workers. The financing method was based on instrumentation and consensus techniques for medium case management. In order to estimate the epidemiological changes and financial requirements, a time series of observed cases for diabetes and hypertension 1994-2013 was integrated. Probabilistic models were developed based on the Box-Jenkins technique for the period of 2013-2018 with 95% confidence intervals and p < 0.05. RESULTS Comparing results from 2013 versus 2018, in the five regions, different incremental trends of 14%-17% in epidemiological changes and 58%-66% in the economic burden for both diseases were observed. CONCLUSIONS If the risk factors and the different models of care remained as they currently are in the three institutions analyzed, the financial consequences would be of greater impact for the Mexican Institute of Social Security, following in order of importance the Institute of Services and Social Security for State Workers and lastly the Health Department. The financial needs for both diseases will represent approximately 13%-15% of the total budget allocated to the uninsured population and 15%-17% for the population insured depending on the region.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Analizar la carga epidemiológica y económica de la demanda de servicios de salud por diabetes e hipertensión en México. MÉTODOS Investigación evaluativa basada en un estudio de series de tiempo que tomó como universo de estudio la población asegurada y no asegurada que demanda servicios de salud a las tres principales instituciones del Sistema de Salud en México: Secretaría de Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, e Instituto de Servicios y Seguridad Social para los Trabajadores del Estado. El método de costeo tomó como base las técnicas de instrumentación y de consenso por manejo de caso promedio. Para estimar los cambios epidemiológicos y requerimientos financieros, se integró una serie de tiempos de casos observados para diabetes e hipertensión 1994-2013. Se desarrollaron modelos probabilísticos basados en la técnica de Box-Jenkins para el periodo 2013-2018 con intervalos del 95% de confianza y p < 0.05. RESULTADOS Comparando resultados de 2013 versus 2018, en las cinco regiones, se observaron diferentes tendencias incrementales de 14%-17% en cambios epidemiológicos y de 58%-66% en la carga económica para ambas enfermedades. CONCLUSIONES Si los factores de riesgo y los diferentes modelos de atención permanecieran como están actualmente en las tres instituciones de análisis, las consecuencias financieras serían de mayor impacto para el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, siguiendo en orden de importancia el Instituto de Servicios y Seguridad Social para los Trabajadores del Estado y finalmente para la Secretaría de Salud. Los requerimientos financieros para ambas enfermedades representarán aproximadamente del 13%-15% del presupuesto total asignado para población no asegurada y el 15%-17% para población asegurada dependiendo de la región.

Determinants of outpatient expenditure within primary care in the Brazilian National Health System / Determinantes de gastos ambulatoriais na atenção primária do sistema público de saúde brasileiro

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: One of the big challenges facing governments worldwide is the financing of healthcare systems. Thus, it is necessary to understand the factors and key components associated with healthcare expenditure. The aim here was to identify demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with direct healthcare expenditure within primary care, among adults attended through the Brazilian National Health System in the city of Bauru. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in five primary care units in Bauru (SP), Brazil. METHODS: Healthcare expenditure over the last 12 months was assessed through medical records of adults aged 50 years or more. Annual healthcare expenditure was assessed in terms of medication, laboratory tests, medical consultations and the total. Body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, age, sex, physical activity and smoking were assessed through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The total healthcare expenditure for 963 participants of this survey was US$ 112,849.74 (46.9% consultations, 35.2% medication and 17.9% laboratory tests). Expenditure on medication was associated with overweight (odds ratio, OR = 1.80; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.07-3.01), hypertension (OR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.91-4.82) and moderate physical activity (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38-0.81). Expenditure on consultations was associated with hypertension (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.12-2.47) and female sex (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.14-2.55). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that overweight, lower levels of physical activity and hypertension were independent risk factors associated with higher healthcare expenditure within primary care.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Um dos grandes desafios dos governos em todo o mundo é o financiamento de sistemas de saúde e, por isso, é necessário compreender fatores e componentes-chave associados a despesas em saúde. O objetivo foi identificar fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, de estilo de vida e clínicos associados aos gastos diretos com saúde na atenção primária entre adultos do Sistema Único de Saúde da cidade de Bauru. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal realizado em cinco Unidades Básicas de Saúde em Bauru (SP), Brasil. MÉTODO: Gastos com saúde nos últimos 12 meses foram avaliados através de prontuários médicos de adultos de 50 anos ou mais. Gastos anuais com saúde foram avaliados com: medicamentos, exames laboratoriais, consultas médicas e total. Índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura, hipertensão, idade, sexo, atividade física e tabagismo foram avaliados por meio de entrevista face a face. RESULTADOS: O gasto total com serviços de saúde para os 963 participantes deste inquérito foi de US$ 112.849.74 (46,9% consultas, 35,2% medicamentos e 17,9% exames). Gastos com medicamentos foram associados com sobrepeso (odds ratio, OR = 1,80 [intervalo de confiança, IC 95%: 1,07-3,01]), hipertensão (OR = 3,04 [IC 95%: 1,91-4,82]) e atividade física moderada (OR = 0,56 [95% IC: 0,38-0,81]). Gastos com consultas foram associados com hipertensão (OR = 1,67 [IC 95%: 1,12-2,47]) e sexo feminino (OR = 1,70 [IC 95%: 1,14-2,55]). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados mostraram que sobrepeso, menor nível de atividade física e hipertensão são fatores de risco independentes associados com maiores gastos com saúde na atenção primária.

El SPRINT en la práctica médica: ¿es momento de modificar el manejo de la hipertensión arterial en Latinoamérica? / SPRINT on clinical practice: It's time to change the management of arterial hypertension in Latin America?

Resumen El presente documento analiza la factibilidad de la implementación de los resultados del ensayo clínico SPRINT, la necesidad de replantear las guías de práctica clínica (GPC) para el manejo de la hipertensión arterial y los costos asociados a su aplicabilidad en la práctica diaria. El SPRINT es un ensayo clínico que comparó el control intensivo de la presión arterial sistólica <120 mmHg y <140 mmHg sobre las complicaciones cardiovasculares, generando un gran impacto en el mundo seguido de la publicación de diversos estudios que han abordado desde diversas perspectivas la relevancia, utilidad, aplicabilidad y aspectos controversiales del SPRINT. El logro de la presión arterial meta es uno de los temas más discutidos en las GPC de hipertensión arterial de mayor uso a nivel mundial y latinoamericano. El SPRINT ha generado y generará un gran impacto en las GPC, siendo necesaria la reevaluación de las presiones arteriales meta y su inclusión en las GPC futuras, como ha sido considerado por la guía canadiense 2016 y será considerado en la actualización de la Guía NICE programada para junio. El ensayo SPRINT plantea nuevas evidencias para el manejo de la hipertensión arterial, útil en personas mayores de 50 años, procedentes de poblaciones urbanas, con riesgo cardiovascular definido y sin comorbilidades asociadas. La aplicabilidad del SPRINT en Latinoamérica es limitada por el aumento de costos asociados a la atención de salud integral del paciente hipertenso, la baja cobertura de atención y escasez de programas integrales de atención.

Abstract This paper analyzes the feasibility of the implementation of SPRINT trial results, the need to rethink the clinical practice guidelines(CPG) for the management of arterial hypertension and associated costs with daily practice applicability. SPRINT is a clinical trial comparing systolic blood pressure control <120 mmHg and <140 mmHg over cardiovascular complications, generating a great worldwide impact followed by publication of several studies that addressed relevance, usefulness, applicability and controversial aspects of SPRINT from different perspectives. Achieving blood pressure goals is one of the most discussed issue in widely used hypertension CPG around the world and in Latin American. SPRINT has generated and will generate a great impact on CPG, being necessary the reassessment of blood pressure goals and inclusion in future CPG, as has been considered in 2016 Canadian guideline and will be considered in NICE guideline update scheduled for June. The SPRINT trial raises new evidence for the management of hypertension, useful in people over 50 years, from urban populations, with defined cardiovascular risk without associated comorbidities. The applicability of SPRINT in Latin America is limited by increased costs associated with hypertensive patients’ integrated health care, low care coverage, and lack of integrated care programs.

Costo de la polifarmacia en el paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / The cost of polypharmacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Polypharmacy or the concomitant use of three or more medications, may increase the complexity of health care and its costs. Aim: To determine the costs of polypharmacy in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Mexican population sample. Patients and Methods: Analysis of health care costs in 257 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from two family care facilities, who had at least five consultations during one year. The cost of professional care by family physicians, pharmacological care and medications were considered to calculate the total expenses. The price of medications and the number of units consumed in one year were used to determine pharmacological expenses. Medications were grouped to determine costs derived from complications and concomitant diseases. Costs were calculated in US dollars (USD). Results: The mean cost derived from family physician fees was USD 82.32 and from pharmacy fees USD 29.37. The mean cost of medications for diabetes treatment was USD 33.31, for the management of complications USD 13.9 and for management of concomitant diseases USD 23.7, rendering a total cost of USD 70.92. Thus, the total annual care cost of a diabetic patient was USD 182.61. Conclusions: Medications represent less than 50% of total expenses of diabetic patients with polypharmacy.

Spending with unnecessary complementary tests for hypertension and diabetes in health services / Gastos con pruebas de laboratorio para hipertensos y diabéticos en los servicios de salud / Gastos com exames complementares desnecessários para hipertensos e diabéticos nos serviços de saúde

The aims of this study were to analyze unnecessary laboratory exams for patients with hypertension and diabetes and to check the expenditures involved. This is an exploratory-descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. We used data from medical records of 293 patients registered in primary units - the Family Health Center (NSF3); secondary: School Health Center (CSE); and tertiary: Hospital das Clínicas (HC) from 2006 to 2009 in a city in Southeastern Brazil. We identified a total of 9,522 laboratory tests, of which 5.97% were unnecessary. Of these, about 58% were requested by NSF3 and 42% by CSE. Results suggest there is a lack of integration among different levels of health care, which result in misallocation of resources and unnecessary spending.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la solicitación y los gastos con exámenes auxiliares innecesarios para pacientes con hipertensión y diabetes en los servicios de salud. Se trata de un estudio transversal retrospectivo, utilizando datos de las historias clínicas de 293 pacientes registrados en las unidades de niveles primario -el Núcleo de Salud de la Familia (NSF3), secundario- Centro de Salud de la Escuela (CSE) y terciario Hospital de Clínicas (HC), en el período de 2006 a 2009 en una ciudad del sudeste de Brasil. Hubo un total de 9.522 exámenes de laboratorio, de los cuales un 5,97% innecesarios. De estos, cerca del 58% fue solicita por el NSF3 y el 42% en el CSE. Los resultados sugieren que ocurre falta de integración entre los diferentes niveles de atención de salud, causando mala distribución de recursos y gastos innecesarios.

Este estudo objetivou analisar a solicitação e os gastos com exames complementares desnecessários para pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos nos serviços de saúde. Trata-se de estudo transversal retrospectivo, utilizando dados de prontuários de 293 pacientes cadastrados nas unidades de níveis primário - Núcleo de Saúde da Família (NSF3), secundário - Centro de Saúde Escola (CSE) e terciário - Hospital das Clínicas (HC), no período de 2006 a 2009 em um município da região sudeste do Brasil. Observou-se um total de 9.522 exames laboratoriais totalizando R$ 28.208,28, sendo 568 (5,97%) desnecessários - R$1.641,58. Destes, cerca de R$ 952,12 (58%) foram solicitados pela NSF3, e R$689,46(42%), pelo CSE. Os resultados sugerem que ocorre falta de integração nos diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde, acarretando má alocação de recursos e gastos desnecessários.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Interventions to Improve Control of High Blood Pressure in Low Resource Settings: The Case of Nigeria.

Objectives: Prevalence of hypertension is on the rise in most African countries while control remains poor. In the literature, there are effective interventions which could be implemented in hospitals of low resource setting such as Nigeria to improve control of blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three of such interventions namely: self-monitoring; health professional led care; and organization driven care interventions. Methods: A Markov model was used to represent a life cycle of Nigerian hypertensive female patients in low risk of having a cardiovascular event. Health care costs were obtained from existing databases and calibrated to Nigerian setting or derived through a cost analysis using a Nigerian hospital. Costs were presented in 2013 US dollars value. Uncertainties in the input parameters used in the analyses were captured using distributions appropriate for each parameter. Probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation, and presented as costeffectiveness acceptability frontiers. Population expected value of perfect information analysis was conducted. Results: Compared to null scenario (i.e. no intervention), professional led care intervention will require $190/QALY to emerge the most cost-effective option. The Population Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI) analysis showed that the opportunity cost surrounding the choice of professional led care intervention as the most cost-effective option does not amount to very much. Conclusions: The result of this study shows that among the interventions compared health professional led care through a pharmaceutical care model or nurse led care is the most cost-effective option for ensuring that patients with high blood pressure are adequately followed for better control of blood pressure.

Epidemiological changes and financial consequences of hypertension in Latin America: implications for the health system and patients in Mexico / Cambios epidemiológicos y consecuencias financieras de la hipertensión en América Latina: implicaciones para el sistema de salud y los pacientes en México

The aim of this study was to assess the costs and financial consequences of epidemiological changes in hypertension in México. The cost evaluation method to estimate costs was based on instrumentation techniques. To estimate the epidemiological changes and expected cases of hypertension in 2010-2012, three probabilistic models were constructed according to the Box-Jenkins technique. Comparing the economic impact, from 2010 to 2012 there will be a 24 percent increase in financial requirements (p < 0.05). The total cost of hypertension in 2011 will be US$ 5,733,350,291, including US$ 2,718,280,941 in direct costs and US$ 3,015,069,350 in indirect costs. If the risk factors and various healthcare models remain unaltered in the institutions analyzed here, the financial consequences will have a major impact on users' pockets, followed by social security providers and public healthcare providers. The authors suggest a revision in the planning, organization, and allocation of resources, particularly programs for health promotion and prevention of hypertension.

El objetivo fue identificar los costos y las consecuencias financieras de cambios epidemiológicos referentes a la hipertensión en México. El método de evaluación de los costos, para estimar los costos directos e indirectos, se basó en técnicas de instrumentación y de consenso. Para estimar los cambios epidemiológicos y de casos esperados para el período 2010-2012, tres modelos probabilísticos se construyeron de acuerdo a la técnica de Box-Jenkins. Al comparar el impacto económico en el 2010 frente a 2012 (p < 0.05), hay un incremento del 24 por ciento de las necesidades financieras. El importe total para la hipertensión en 2011 será de US$ 5.733.350.291. Se incluyen US$ 2.718.280.941 en costos directos y US$ 3.015.069.350 en costos indirectos. Si los factores de riesgo y los modelos de atención a la salud permanecen sin cambios, las consecuencias financieras serían de mayor impacto para los bolsillos de los usuarios, siguiendo en orden de importancia, los proveedores de seguridad social y los proveedores de asistencia pública.

A workplace physical activity program at a public university in Mexico can reduce medical costs associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension / Un programa de actividad física en el lugar de trabajo en una universidad pública de México puede reducir los costos médicos asociados a la diabetes tipo 2 e hipertensión

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a workplace leisure physical activity program on healthcare expenditures for type 2 diabetes and hypertension treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed a workplace program's potential to reduce costs by multiplying the annual healthcare costs of patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension by the population attributable risk fraction of non-recommended physical activity levels. Feasibility of a physical activity program was assessed among 425 employees of a public university in Mexico. RESULTS: If 400 sedentary employees engaged in a physical activity program to decrease their risk of diabetes and hypertension, the potential annual healthcare cost reduction would be 138 880 US dollars. Each dollar invested in physical activity could reduce treatment costs of both diseases by 5.3 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: This research meets the call to use health economics methods to re-appraise health priorities, and devise strategies for optimal allocation of financial resources in the health sector.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de un programa de actividad física en el lugar de trabajo sobre la reducción de costos médicos directos relacionados con la diabetes tipo 2 y la hipertensión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Calculamos el potencial de la actividad física para reducir costos médicos, multiplicando los gastos médicos anuales que realizan diabéticos e hipertensos, multiplicados por la fracción atribuible poblacional asociada a un nivel de actividad física insuficiente. La factibilidad de ejecutar el programa fue evaluada en 425 trabajadores de una universidad pública en México. RESULTADOS: Si 400 trabajadores sedentarios participaran en un programa de actividad física recreativa para reducir su riesgo de diabetes e hipertensión, los costos médicos anuales reducirían en 138880 dólares. Cada dólar invertido en actividad física podría reducir 5.3 dólares en el tratamiento de ambas enfermedades. CONCLUSIONES: Esta investigación evidencia la utilidad de los estudios costoeconómicos en salud para optimizar los recursos financieros en este sector.

Análise de custos da assistência à saúde aos portadores de diabetes melito e hipertensão arterial em uma unidade de saúde pública de referência em Recife - Brasil / Analysis of health care costs of patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension in a public health reference unit in Recife - Brazil

OBJETIVO: Analisar os custos para a assistência à saúde de portadores de diabetes melito e hipertensão arterial e estimar o custo de procedimentos ambulatoriais de média complexidade comparando-os com os valores da tabela de reembolso do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os custos diretos sanitários, em unidade pública de referência em Recife/PE no ano de 2007. Para o levantamento e alocação dos custos, utilizaram-se as técnicas de custeio por absorção e de rateio. RESULTADOS: Os custos diretos e o valor reembolsado pelo SUS totalizaram R$ 4.855.291,82 e R$ 2.118.893,56, respectivamente. Os grupos de despesas que apresentaram maiores custos foram: medicamentos R$ 1.762.424,42 (36,3 por cento), serviços de terceiros R$ 996.637,82 (20,5 por cento) e pessoal R$ 978.096,10 (20,1 por cento). Todos os procedimentos apresentaram maior custo estimado que os valores pagos pela tabela SUS. CONCLUSÕES: Os medicamentos representaram os maiores custos para assistência e identificou-se diferença considerável entre os custos estimados e os valores reembolsados pelo SUS.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze health care costs of patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and to estimate the cost of medium complexity outpatient procedures, compared with the standard reimbursement values used in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed direct health costs in a public health reference unit in Recife/PE, in 2007. Costs were determined and allocated using the techniques of absorption costing and apportionment. RESULTS: Direct costs and the amount reimbursed by the SUS totaled R$ 4,855,291.82 and R$ 2.118.893,56, respectively. The greatest groups of expenditure were medications, with R$ 1,762,424.42 (36.3 percent), outsourced services, with R$ 996,637.82 (20.5 percent); and personnel, with R$ 978,096.10 (20.1 percent). All procedures had higher estimated costs than what is reimbursed by the SUS. CONCLUSIONS: Drugs were associated with the highest health care costs, a considerable difference was observed between estimated costs and the amount reimbursed by the SUS.

Inequalities in prescription of hydrochlorothiazide for diabetic hypertensive patients in Colombia / Desigualdades en la prescripción de hidroclorotiazida en pacientes hipertensos diabéticos en Colombia

Objective Evaluating differences in the suitable prescription of thiazides in hypertense patients, according to affiliation regime. Materials and methods This was an analytical cross-sectional study. The database from a previous study was used regarding two groups of hypertense patients (subsidised regime and contributory regime) who had attended out-patient consultation between 01-09-2007 and 29-02-2008. Ideal therapy was evaluated in both groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out. Results 136 patients (contributory: 41.9 percent; subsidised: 58.1 percent). Subsidised regime patients were older (mean=68.8±10) than those from the contributory regime (mean=64.1±11.1) (t-test, p=0.0110). Prescribing antihypertensive drugs was ideal in 49/136 of the patients (36.0 percent). Ideal prescription accounted for 24/79 (30 percent) of the patients in the subsidised regime and 25/57 (43.8 percent) in the contributory one (OR=1.79; 95 percent CI:0.88-3.64). Older people (aged ≥ 65yo) were at risk of receiving a non-ideal prescription (OR=2.12; 95 percentCI:1.02-4.38) whilst this was not so in the subsidised regime (OR=1.62; 95 percent CI:0.78-3.35). Conclusions Ideal prescription of antihypertensive drugs was low in the population being studied. There were differences regarding age ideal prescription but not concerning affiliation regime. It is suggested that a longitudinal study be carried out in the future.

Objetivo Evaluar las diferencias en la adecuada prescripción de tiazidas en pacientes hipertensos, según régimen de afiliación. Materiales y métodos Estudio de corte transversal analítico. Se utilizó la base de datos de un estudio previo, dos grupos de pacientes hipertensos: régimen subsidiado y régimen contributivo que asistieron a consulta externa entre el 01-09-2007 y el 29-02-2008. Se evaluó terapia ideal en los dos grupos. Se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado. Resultados Se estudiaron 136 pacientes (contributivo: 41,9 por ciento; subsidiado: 58,1 por ciento). Los pacientes del régimen subsidiado fueron mayores (promedio= 68,8±10) que los del contributivo (promedio=64,1±11.1) (t-test, p=0,0110). La prescripción de antihipertensivos fue ideal en 49/136 (36,0 por ciento). En el régimen subsidiado la prescripción fue ideal en 24/79 (30 por ciento) y en el contributivo en 25/57 (43,8 por ciento) (OR: 1,79 IC95 por ciento (0,88-3,64)). La edad ≥65años fue riesgo de prescripción no ideal (OR: 2.12, IC95 por ciento(1,02-4,38)), mientras que no lo fue estar en el régimen subsidiado (OR=1,62, IC95 por ciento(0,78-3,35). Conclusiones La prescripción ideal de antihipertensivos es baja. Hay diferencias en la edad, en la prescripción ideal, mas no por régimen de afiliación. Se sugiere un estudio longitudinal en el futuro.

Comparison of Benefit Estimation Models in Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Case of Chronic Hypertension Management Programs

PURPOSE: Cost-benefit analysis is one of the most commonly used economic evaluation methods, which helps to inform the economic value of a program to decision makers. However, the selection of a correct benefit estimation method remains critical for accurate cost-benefit analysis. This paper compared benefit estimations among three different benefit estimation models. METHODS: Data from community-based chronic hypertension management programs in a city in South Korea were used. Three different benefit estimation methods were compared. The first was a standard deterministic estimation model; second, a repeated-measures deterministic estimation model; and third, a transitional probability estimation model. RESULTS: The estimated net benefit of the three different methods were $1,273.01, $-3,749.42, and $-5,122.55 respectively. CONCLUSION: The transitional probability estimation model showed the most correct and realistic benefit estimation, as it traced possible paths of changing status between time points and it accounted for both positive and negative benefits.

Costos directos de atención médica en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en México: análisis de microcosteo / Direct costs of medical care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Mexico micro-costing analysis

OBJETIVO: Estimar los costos directos de la atención médica a pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). MÉTODOS: Se revisaron expedientes clínicos de 497 pacientes que ingresaron a unidades de segundo y tercer nivel de atención durante el período 2002-2004. Los costos se cuantificaron utilizando el enfoque de costeo de enfermedad (CDE) desde la perspectiva del proveedor, la técnica del microcosteo y la metodología de abajo-arriba (bottom-up). Se estimaron costos promedio anuales de diagnóstico, por complicación y total de la enfermedad. RESULTADOS: El costo total anual de los pacientes con DM2 para el IMSS fue de US$452 064 988, correspondiente a 3,1 por ciento del gasto de operación. El costo promedio anual por paciente fue de US$3 193,75, correspondiendo US$2 740,34 para el paciente sin complicaciones y US$3 550,17 para el paciente con complicaciones. Los días/cama en hospitalización y en unidad de cuidados intensivos fueron los servicios con mayor costo. CONCLUSIONES: Los elevados costos en la atención médica a pacientes con DM2 y complicaciones representan una carga económica que las instituciones de salud deben considerar en su presupuesto, a fin de poder brindar un servicio de calidad, adecuado y oportuno. El empleo de la metodología de microcosteo permite un acercamiento a datos reales de utilización y manejo de la enfermedad.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the direct cost of medical care incurred by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). METHODS: The clinical files of 497 patients who were treated in secondary and tertiary medical care units in 2002-2004 were reviewed. Costs were quantified using a disease costing approach (DCA) from the provider's perspective, a micro-costing technique, and a bottom-up methodology. Average annual costs by diagnosis, complication, and total cost were estimated. RESULTS: Total IMSS DM2 annual costs were US$452 064 988, or 3.1 percent of operating expenses. The annual average cost per patient was US$3 193.75, with US$2 740.34 per patient without complications and US$3 550.17 per patient with complications. Hospitalization and intensive care bed-days generated the greatest expenses. CONCLUSIONS: The high cost of providing medical care to patients with DM2 and its complications represents an economic burden that health institutions should consider in their budgets to enable them to offer quality service that is both adequate and timely. Using the micro-costing methodology allows an approximation to real data on utilization and management of the disease.

Estimated annual cost of arterial hypertension treatment in Brazil / Costo estimado anual del tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial en Brasil

Objectives: To estimate the direct annual cost of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) treatment in Brazil's public and private health care systems, assess its economic impact on the total health care budget, and determine its proportion of the 2005 gross domestic product (GDP). Methods: A decision tree model was used to determine direct costs based on estimated use of various resources in SAH diagnosis and care, including treatment (medication and non-medication), complementary exams, doctor visits, nutritional assessments, and emergency room visits. Results: Estimated direct annual cost of SAH treatment was approximately US$ 398.9 million for the public health care system and US$ 272.7 million for the private system, representing 0.08 percent of the 2005 GDP (ranging from 0.05 percent to 0.16 percent). With total health care expenses comprising about 7.6 percent of Brazil's GDP, this cost represented 1.11 percent of overall health care costs (0.62 percent to 2.06 percent)-1.43 percent of total expenses for the Unified Healthcare System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) (0.79 percent to 2.75 percent) and 0.83 percent of expenses for the private health care system (0.47 percent to 1.48 percent). Conclusion. To guarantee public or private health care based on the principles of universality and equality, with limited available resources, efforts must be focused on educating the population on prevention and treatment compliance in diseases such as SAH that require significant health resources.

Objetivos: Estimar el costo directo anual del tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS) en los sistemas sanitarios público y privado de Brasil, evaluar su impacto económico en el presupuesto total de salud y determinar la proporción del producto interno bruto (PIB) que ocupó en 2005. Métodos: Se empleó un modelo de árbol de decisión para determinar los costos directos según el uso estimado de varios recursos en el diagnóstico y la atención de la HAS, incluidos el tratamiento (con medicamentos y sin ellos), los exámenes complementarios, las visitas del médico, las evaluaciones nutricionales y las visitas a servicios de emergencia. Resultados: El costo anual directo estimado del tratamiento de la HAS fue de aproximadamente US$ 398,9 millones en el sistema público y US$ 272,7 millones en el privado, lo que representó 0,08 por ciento del PIB en 2005 (mínimo: 0,05 por ciento; máximo: 0,16 por ciento). Con un gasto total en salud de cerca de 7,6 por ciento del PIB de Brasil, este costo representó 1,11 por ciento del costo total en salud (de 0,62 por ciento a 2,06 por ciento): 1,43 por ciento de los gastos totales del Sistema Único de Salud (de 0,79 por ciento a 2,75 por ciento) y 0,83 por ciento de los gastos del sistema privado (de 0,47 por ciento a 1,48 por ciento). Conclusiones: Para garantizar servicios públicos o privados de salud basados en los principios de universalidad y equidad, con recursos limitados, los esfuerzos se deben enfocar en educar a la población en el cumplimiento de las medidas de prevención y el tratamiento de enfermedades, que como la HAS, requieren considerables recursos sanitarios.

Continuity of Care for Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea

We sought to assess continuity of care for elderly patients in Korea and to examine any association between continuity of care and health outcomes (hospitalization, emergency department visits, health care costs). This was a retrospective cohort study using the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database. Elderly people, 65-84 yr of age, who were first diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (n=268,220), hypertension (n=858,927), asthma (n=129,550), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, n=131,512) in 2002 were followed up for four years, until 2006. The mean of the Continuity of Care Index was 0.735 for hypertension, 0.709 for diabetes mellitus, 0.700 for COPD, and 0.663 for asthma. As continuity of care increased, in all four diseases, the risks of hospitalization and emergency department visits decreased, as did health care costs. In the Korean health care system, elderly patients with greater continuity of care with health care providers had lower risks of hospital and emergency department use and lower health care costs. In conclusion, policy makers need to develop and try actively the program to improve the continuity of care in elderly patients with chronic diseases.