Cost-utility analysis of traditional drug therapy with and without exercise program for hypertensive patients in real-life data primary health care

Abstract Aim: The study aimed to conduct a cost-utility analysis of traditional drug therapy (TDT) provided for hypertensive patients at primary care in comparison to the protocol based on combination with an exercise program (TDT+E) in real-life conditions, adopting a health system perspective. Methods: Longitudinal study based on enrollment of 49 hypertensive adults distributed into two groups, for 12 months. Quality-adjusted life years were estimated using health-related quality of life. Direct health care costs were calculated including inputs and human resources in primary care from medical records. Sensitivity analysis was performed based on multivariate and probabilistic scenarios. Results: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of TDT+E in comparison to TDT were +79.69. Sensitivity analysis showed that TDT+E presented advantages considering uncertainties. Conclusion: Our findings show that exercise programs may improve quality of life and life expectancy among hypertensive patients.

1．COVID-19 and HTA / 薬剤疫学

“Appropriate/Rational allocation for limited healthcare resources”, which was the fundamental concept of the health economics, had not been widely accepted/disseminated for the general public in Japan. Although vast majority agreed with the existence of healthcare budget constraint, it had not been widely recognized that “physical” healthcare resources, such as healthcare professional and/or healthcare facilities, were also limited and restricted, until current COVID-19 ERA. The HTA （Health Technology Assessment） concept could be used for COVID-19 related resource allocation issues, such as prioritization of the vaccination. Kohli et al. conducted cost-utility analysis of various treatment strategy for the hypothetical vaccine in the US setting. They proved that vaccination for elderly and stuffs for health care/long term care facilities were cost-effective （dominant and USD 20,000/QALY, respectively）, while we need to take into account relatively low incidence rate of COVID-19 in Japan.However, current framework of the HTA with narrower perspective, could not capture entire value of the preventive intervention against COVID-19. Appleby et al. argued that broader perspective, under which external impacts, outside of healthcare area, would be incorporated, would be needed for appropriate decision making.Faced with COVID-19 pandemic, importance of re-defining （or expanding） the value of intervention would be widely recognized and further conceptual research should be warranted.

Omalizumabe no tratamento da urticária crônica espontânea: análise de custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário / Omalizumab in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria: cost-effectiveness analysis and budgetary impact

Objetivos: Determinar a relação custo-efetividade da adição do omalizumabe (Oma) no tratamento da urticária crônica espontânea (UCE) refratária aos tratamentos convencionais, bem como o impacto orçamentário no contexto da saúde suplementar (SS) no Brasil. Métodos: Na análise econômica, utilizou-se o modelo de Markov baseado no Urticaria Activity Score for 7 days (UAS7), considerando- se os desfechos clínicos: anos de vida salvos com doença controlada (UAS7 = 0 ou UAS7 ≤ 6), e anos de vida ajustados à qualidade (QALY). Três razões de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) foram calculadas. O impacto orçamentário foi calculado com base em dados da SS, população elegível e o horizonte de 5 anos. Resultados: As RCEI calculadas para o desfecho anos de vida salvos com doença controlada nos horizontes de 3 e 5 anos foram R$ 108.935,42 e R$ 166.977,29, respectivamente. O impacto orçamentário, do primeiro ao quinto ano, da incorporação do Oma à SS para o tratamento de pacientes com UCE refratária variou entre R$ 65 milhões e R$ 157 milhões, que equivaleria a R$ 1,38/assistido no primeiro ano incorporação. Sendo assim, ao analisar os custos adicionais por desfecho adicional salvo, nota-se que a RCEI também se mostrou menor que três vezes o PIB per capita no Brasil, podendo-se dizer que o tratamento com Oma é custo-efetivo em comparação ao tratamento atual também neste desfecho. Conclusão: A análise econômica demonstrou que o tratamento com Oma da UCE refratária ao tratamento com antihistamínicos H1 em doses elevadas é custo-efetivo no cenário nacional, e a sua incorporação na SS é viável.

Objectives: To determine the cost-effectiveness of adding omalizumab (Oma) to the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) refractory to conventional treatments, as well as its budgetary impact in the context of private health insurance (PHI) in Brazil. Methods: In the economic analysis, the Markov model based on the Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7) was used considering the following clinical outcomes: life years saved with controlled disease (UAS7 = 0 or UAS7 ≤ 6) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Three incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. The budgetary impact was calculated using PHI data, eligible population, and 5-year horizon. Results: The estimated ICERs for life years saved with controlled disease in 3- and 5-year horizons were R$ 108,935.42 and R$ 166,977.29, respectively. The budgetary impact from the first to the fifth year of the incorporation of Oma into PHI for the treatment of patients with refractory CSU ranged from R$ 65 million to R$ 157 million, equivalent to R$ 1.38/assisted patient in the first year of incorporation. When additional costs were analyzed per additional outcome saved, ICER was shown to be less than three times the GDP per capita in Brazil. Thus, Oma is cost-effective compared to the current treatment in this outcome as well. Conclusion: The economic analysis demonstrated that treatment with Oma of CSU refractory to the treatment with H1 antihistamines in high doses is cost-effective in the Brazilian setting and its incorporation into the PHI system is feasible.

Cost-Effectiveness of Rate- and Rhythm-Control Drugs for Treating Atrial Fibrillation in Korea

PURPOSE: Although the economic and mortality burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is substantial, it remains unclear which treatment strategies for rate and rhythm control are most cost-effective. Consequently, economic factors can play an adjunctive role in guiding treatment selection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We built a Markov chain Monte Carlo model using the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. Drugs for rate control and rhythm control in AF were analyzed. Cost-effective therapies were selected using a cost-effectiveness ratio, calculated by net cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY). RESULTS: In the National Health Insurance Service data, 268149 patients with prevalent AF (age ≥18 years) were identified between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015. Among them, 212459 and 55690 patients were taking drugs for rate and rhythm control, respectively. Atenolol cost $714/QALY. Among the rate-control medications, the cost of propranolol was lowest at $487/QALY, while that of carvedilol was highest at $1363/QALY. Among the rhythm-control medications, the cost of pilsicainide was lowest at $638/QALY, while that of amiodarone was highest at $986/QALY. Flecainide and propafenone cost $834 and $830/QALY, respectively. The cost-effectiveness threshold of all drugs was lower than $30000/QALY. Compared with atenolol, the rate-control drugs propranolol, betaxolol, bevantolol, bisoprolol, diltiazem, and verapamil, as well as the rhythm-control drugs sotalol, pilsicainide, flecainide, propafenone, and dronedarone, showed better incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. CONCLUSION: Propranolol and pilsicainide appear to be cost-effective in patients with AF in Korea assuming that drug usage or compliance is the same.

Economic evaluation of breast cancer screening for Chinese urban women / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and cost of breast cancer screening strategy that is suitable for the current econom-ic conditions in China. Methods: We collected clinical and cost information of breast cancer screening for Chinese women based on previous screening programs conducted from February 2008 to December 2011 and collected the same information about breast can-cer cases diagnosed in hospitals at the same time. Markov models were developed to analyze the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) for 132 breast cancer screening strategies compared to no screening for Chinese women. Results: In 2010, as compared to no screening, the most cost-effective breast cancer screening strategy was biennial screening with clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast ultrasound, in parallel, for women aged between 40 to 64. This screening strategy could save 1,394 quality-adjusted life years (QALY) per 100,000 women, and the cost of saving breast-cancer related QALY would be 91,944 RMB. Sensitivity analysis indicated that in 2016, the most cost-effective breast cancer screening strategy was biennial screening with CBE and mammography (MAM), in parallel, for women aged 40 to 64, with ICER of 159,637 RMB per QALY. Conclusions: Population-based breast cancer screening would be acceptable in the current conditions in China. As the Chinese economy and level of medical care improve, breast cancer screening would be more cost-effective.

1．A Pilot Program of Implementing Health Technology Assessment to Decision Making in Japan / 薬剤疫学

Annual medical expenditure in Japan is continuously increasing. This may be caused by technology advancement as well as population ageing. Some new and high cost technologies, including new drugs, have been introduced. In order to balance technology advancement with medical expenditure, economic evaluation of new technologies is one way to approach the issue. In 2016 a pilot program stared at the Central Social Insurance Medical Council to evaluate cost effectiveness of some drugs and medical devices. In the pilot program, companies of selected products were asked to submit primary data and analyses to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The ministry, together with some experts, reviewed the submitted data and re-analyzed if necessary. After these assessment process, not only cost effectiveness of each product, but also ethical or social aspects are considered in the appraisal phase. Finally results will be used to adjust reimbursement prices in the 2018 price revision. In the council, some issues toward full implementation of the new system will be discussed by 2019.

Therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in the treatment of chronic low back pain: cost utility analysis based on a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Related to escalating health care costs and the questionable effectiveness of multiple interventions including lumbar facet joint interventions, cost effectiveness or cost utility analysis has become the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine influencing coverage decisions. METHODS: Cost utility of therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain was performed utilizing data from a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up, with direct payment data from 2016. Based on the data from surgical interventions, utilizing the lowest proportion of direct procedural costs of 60%, total cost utility per quality adjusted life year (QALY) was determined by multiplying the derived direct cost at 1.67. RESULTS: Patients in this trial on average received 5.6 ± 2.6 procedures over a period of 2 years, with average relief over a period of 2 years of 82.8 ± 29.6 weeks with 19 ± 18.77 weeks of improvement per procedure. Procedural cost for one-year improvement in quality of life showed USD $2,654.08. Estimated total costs, including indirect costs and drugs with multiplication of direct costs at 1.67, showed a cost of USD $4,432 per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in the treatment of chronic low back pain shows clinical effectiveness and cost utility at USD $2,654.08 for the direct costs of the procedures, and USD $4,432 for the estimated overall cost per one year of QALY, in chronic persistent low back pain non-responsive to conservative management.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Screening Strategies for Diabetic Retinopathy in Korea

This study involved a cost-utility analysis of early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy depending on the screening strategy used. The four screening strategies evaluated were no screening, opportunistic examination, systematic fundus photography, and systematic examination by an ophthalmologists. Each strategy was evaluated in 10,000 adults aged 40 yr with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (hypothetical cohort). The cost of each strategy was estimated in the perspective of both payer and health care system. The utility was estimated using quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for the different screening strategies was analyzed. After exclusion of the weakly dominating opportunistic strategy, the ICER of systematic photography was 57,716,867 and that of systematic examination by ophthalmologists was 419,989,046 from the perspective of the healthcare system. According to the results, the systematic strategy is preferable to the opportunistic strategy from the perspective of both a payer and a healthcare system. Although systematic examination by ophthalmologists may have higher utility than systematic photography, it is associated with higher cost. The systematic photography is the best strategy in terms of cost-utility. However systematic examination by ophthalmologists can also be a suitable policy alternative, if the incremental cost is socially acceptable.

Results from a preliminary study to develop the quality adjustments for quality adjusted life year values for Trinidad and Tobago / Resultados de un estudio preliminar para desarrollar ajustes de calidad para los valores de un año de vida ajustado por calidad en Trinidad y Tobago

OBJECTIVE: No country can afford to provide all necessary healthcare for its citizens, so prioritization among interventions must feature in all health systems. Resources in health should be allocated among interventions/facilities/patients in such a way as to be in line with the objectives of the health system. To achieve this, resource allocation decisions must be informed by the relative contributions that prospective interventions will make to societal health and to costs. Internationally, the EQ-5D based quality adjusted life year (QALY) now dominates this kind of analysis. This paper reports on a pilot study to develop an EQ-5D-3L value set for Trinidad and Tobago based on a protocol that avoids some of the issues that are associated with other approaches to developing such value sets such as the complex elicitation tasks that respondents must carry out, and the large respondent samples required for collecting multiple valuation subset values using blocked designs. METHODS: An orthogonal discrete choice experiment design was used to elicit a set of choices from a sample of respondents. RESULTS: The choice data were analysed using mixed multinomial logistic regression to produce an internally valid model that predicts well. CONCLUSION: This paper marks an important milestone in the development of health resource allocation in the Caribbean. It sets out the importance of incorporating the impact of health interventions to inform health resource allocation decisions, describes the elicitation and analysis methods used in the pilot and provides an illustration ofthe use ofthe EQ-5D value set.

OBJETIVO: Ningún país puede permitirse ofrecer toda la atención a la salud necesaria para sus ciudadanos, de modo que la necesidad de establecer prioridades en las intervenciones constituye un rasgo característico de todos los sistemas de salud. Los recursos de salud deben asignarse entre las intervenciones/instalaciones/pacientes de tal manera que se correspondan con los objetivos del sistema de salud. Para lograr esto, las decisiones en cuanto a la asignación de recursos deben reportarse en términos de las contribuciones relativas que las intervenciones prospectivas representarán para la salud social y los costos. Internacionalmente, el EQ - 5D basado en el año de vida ajustado por calidad (AVAC), domina ahora este tipo de análisis. El presente trabajo reporta un estudio piloto para desarrollar un conjunto de valores EQ - 5D - 3L para Trinidad y Tobago, basado en un protocolo que evite algunos de los problemas asociados con otros enfoques usados para desarrollar estos conjuntos de valores, tales como tareas complejas de obtención de datos, que los encuestados tienen que llevar a cabo, y las grandes muestras de respuestas requeridas para recoger varios subconjuntos de valoración múltiple utilizando diseños bloqueados. MÉTODOS: Un diseño de experimento de elección discreta ortogonal se utiliza para obtener un conjunto de opciones de una muestra de encuestados. RESULTADOS: Los datos de la elección se analizaron mediante regresión logística multinomial mixta para producir un modelo internamente válido que predice bien. CONCLUSION: Este documento marca un hito importante en el desarrollo de la asignación de recursos de salud en el Caribe. El mismo establece la importancia de incorporar el impacto de las intervenciones de salud para informar las decisiones de asignación de recursos de salud, describe los métodos de obtención y análisis utilizados en el programa piloto, y proporciona una ilustración del uso del conjunto de valores EQ - 5D.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of palivizumab in the prophylaxis of preterm patients in Mexico / Análisis de costo-efectividad del uso de palivizumab en la profilaxis de pacientes prematuros en México

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the prophylaxis of palivizumab, for the reduction of complications associated to the respiratory syncytial virus in preterm patients in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A decision tree was developed in preterm groups [<29 and 29-32 weeks of gestational age (wGA)], by using epidemiological and cost local data; the effectiveness was obtained with a systematic review. Patients were evaluated according to their life expectancy. Mexican Health System perspective was used. Effectiveness measures employed were LYG and QALYs. The costs are reported in USD 2009. RESULTS: ICERs per LYG resulted on values of USD $25,029 and USD $29,637 for <29 wGA and 29-32 wGA respectively, whereas ICERs per QALYs obtained in the model accounted for USD $17,532 and USD $20,760. CONCLUSIONS: Palivizumab prophylaxis for preterm newborn patients ≤32 weeks of age resulted in a cost-effective alternative.

OBJETIVO: El estudio evaluó la razón costo-efectividad incremental (RCEI) de profilaxis con palivizumab para reducción de complicaciones asociadas al virus sincicial respiratorio en prematuros en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se empleó un árbol de decisiones en los grupos pretérmino [<29 y 29-32 semanas de edad gestacional (SEG)], empleando datos epidemiológicos y costos locales; la eficacia se obtuvo con una revisión sistemática, evaluando a los pacientes de acuerdo con su esperanza de vida. Se empleó la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Las medidas de eficacia fueron AVG y AVAC. Los costos son reportados en dólares de 2009. RESULTADOS: Las RCEI por AVG resultaron de USD $25 029 y USD $29 637 para <29 y 29-32 SEG, mientras que las RCEI por AVAC fueron de USD $17 532 y USD $20 760. CONCLUSIONES: La profilaxis con palivizumab en pacientes recién nacidos pretérmino ≤32 semanas de edad resultó ser una alternativa costo-efectiva.

Evaluación económica del tratamiento de artritis reumatoide con terapia biológica anti TNF en Colombia / Economic evaluation of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with anti-TNF biological therapy in Colombia

Introducción: la artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad crónica de alto costo para el sistema de salud, en particular cuando se requiere terapia biológica. Objetivos: diseñar un modelo económico para la toma de decisiones entre adalimumab (ADA), etanercept (ETA) e infliximab (INF) en el contexto colombiano. Metodología: se diseñó un modelo de Markov, con un horizonte temporal de dos años, una perspectiva de un tercero pagador, que midiera efectividad clínica (en proporción de pacientes con respuesta ACR50 o mayor), abandono de terapia, eventos adversos, calidad de vida en AVAC (años de vida ajustados por calidad) y costos directos de tratamiento en pesos colombianos. Resultados: la suspensión de la terapia fue mayor para INF y menor para ETA. La ganancia en AVAC fue ligeramente más alta para ETA y para ADA que para INF. Los costos anuales promedio de la terapia con INF fueron $44.8 millones, para ADA $41.0 millones, y $39.0 millones para ETA. El costo promedio por mes logrado en ACR50 o superior fue de $9.37; $8.83 y $13.5 millones, respectivamente, para ADA, ETA e INF. Conclusiones: dadas las limitaciones y los supuestos del modelo, se podría concluir que, en el paciente colombiano "caso tipo" con AR, ETA es dominante sobre ADA e INF al tener un costo global total menor, y una efectividad superior a INF y por lo menos igual a la de ADA (Acta Med Colomb 2011; 36: 24-29).

Introduction: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic illness that implies high direct and indirect costs for the health system, in particular when biological therapy is prescribed. Objectives: the aim of this study was to design an economic model for decision-making between adalimumab (ADA), etanercept (ETA) and infliximab (INF) in the Colombian context. Methods: we designed a Markov model with a time horizon of two years and a third party payer perspective, measuring the effectiveness (as proportion of patients with ACR50 response or better) discontinuation of therapy, adverse events, quality of life in QALY (quality adjusted life years) and direct cost represented in Colombian pesos (1 US$ = Col$1800 pesos, aprox). Results: discontinuation of therapy was highest for INF, and lowest for ETA. The gain in QALYs was somewhat higher for ETA and ADA, compared with INF. The total annual costs of the therapy with INF was $44.8 million, $41.0 million for ADA, and $39.0 for ETA. The cost per month with ACR50 or higher was $9.37; $8.83 and $13.5 million, respectively for ADA, ETA and INF. Conclusion: given the limitations and given the assumptions of this model, we conclude that in the average Colombian patient with AR, ETA is dominant over ADA and INF, by having a lower total cost and at least the same effectiveness as ADA and higher than INF (Acta Med Colomb 2011; 36: 24-29).

Estimating Quality Adjusted Life Year Loss of Persons Disabled by Stroke Using EQ-5D in Korea / 農村醫學 地域保健

No abstract available.

Avaliação econômica das anticitocinas adalimumabe, etanercepte e infliximabe no tratamento da artrite reumatoide no Estado do Paraná / Economic evaluation of anticitokines adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Paraná State, Brazil

Este estudo objetivou realizar uma avaliação econômica das anticitocinas adalimumabe (ADA), etanercepte (ETA) e infliximabe (IFX) para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide no Estado do Paraná, sob a perspectiva do SUS. Os dados de eficácia e segurança dos tratamentos foram buscados na literatura, e os custos foram calculados com valores gastos pelo SUS para cada um dos tratamentos. Foi elaborado o modelo de Markov para obter a relação custo-efetividade de cada tratamento. A relação custo-efetividade incremental (ICER) comparado ao tratamento padrão também foi calculada para cada anticitocina. Análises de sensibilidade e taxas de desconto foram aplicadas. Na avaliação custo-efetividade, encontraram-se custos por QALY de R$ 511.633,00, R$ 437.486,00 e R$ 657.593,00 para ADA, ETA e IFX, respectivamente. O ICER por QALY foi R$ 628.124,00, R$ 509.974,00 e R$ 965.927,00 para ADA, ETA e IFX, respectivamente. Nas análises de sensibilidade, o ETA e o ADA apresentaram valores próximos. Cabe aos gestores públicos e aos médicos prescritores a escolha adequada para cada paciente, entre os tratamentos disponibilizados.

This study aimed to perform an economic evaluation of anticytokines adalimumab (ADA), etanercept (ETA) and infliximab (IFX) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the State of Parana, in Brazil, in the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Data on efficacy and safety of treatment were collected in literature, and costs were calculated on the amounts spent by the Government for each treatment. A Markov model was performed to get the cost-effectiveness of each treatment. The incremental cost-effectiveness relationship (ICER) compared to a standard treatment was also calculated for each anticytokine. Sensitivity analysis and discount rates were applied. In assessing cost-effectiveness we found the following values (cost at R$ per QALY): 511,633.00, 437,486.00 and 657,593.00 (respectively for ADA, ETA and IFX). The ICER (R$ per QALY) was 628,124.00, 509,974.00 and 965,927.00 (for ADA, ETA and IFX). In the sensitivity analysis, ETA and ADA showed similar values. It is for public managers and physicians the choice for each patient, among the treatments available.

Análisis económico de diálisis peritoneal comparada con hemodiálisis en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica, diabética o hipertensiva / Economic analysisof peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal desease

Objetivo: Comparamos, mediante un análisis económico de costo-utilidad, dos componentes fundamentales de la terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR): la hemodiálisis (HD) y la diálisis peritoneal (DP). Metodología: Empleamos un modelo teórico de árbol de decisión para comparar HD y DP (incluyendo en esta última tanto la diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria continua [DPAC] como la diálisis peritoneal automatizada [DPA]). La perspectiva fue la de un tercero pagador (un asegurador, por ejemplo), y se calculó un horizonte temporal de un año. El modelo incorpora veinte variables, incluyendo costos locales y frecuencias relacionadas con la enfermedad (algunas locales, otras extraídas de la literatura y discutidas con un grupo de expertos). Ejemplos: días de hospitalización por año, mortalidad de cada terapia y años de vida ajustados por calidad (AVAC) para cada condición. Resultados: La DP tiene un comportamiento dominante en comparación con la HD, ya que, en promedio, cuesta 3 millones de pesos anuales menos, y adicionalmente ofrece al paciente, en promedio, 0,04 AVAC por año de tratamiento. Conclusión: En pacientes seleccionados en terapia crónica de reemplazo renal, la DP puede ayudar a reducir costos al tiempo que ofrece una mejor calidad de vida. [Rosselli D, DeAntonio R, Calderón C. Análisis económico de diálisis peritoneal comparada con hemodiálisis en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica, diabética o hipertensiva. MedUNAB 2008; 11:201-205].

Objective: We compare, through cost-utility analysis, two main components of kidney replacement therapy (KRT): hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) (including under PD both continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] and automated peritoneal dialysis [APD]). Methodology: We use a decision-tree model that compares HD vs PD, from third payer perspective with a one-year timeline. The model incorporated 20 variables, including local costs on one side and epidemiological data (both local and from foreign data) that included days at hospital per year, mortality for each therapy as well as quality adjusted life years (QALY) for each different condition. Results: Compared with HD, PD is dominant; it costs 3 million pesos less per year, and additionally offers on average 0.04 QALY more per patient. Conclusion: In selected patients in KRT, PD therapy can help reduce costs while offering a better quality of life. [Rosselli D, DeAntonio R, Calderón C. Economic Analysis of peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal disease. MedUNAB 2008; 11:201-205].

A Cost-Utility Analysis of Home Care Services by using the QALY / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze economical efficiency of home care service by comparing a cost-utility ratio(CUR) between home care and hospitalization. METHOD: The analytic framework of this study was constructed in 5 stages: Identifying the analytic perspectives, measurement of costs, measurement of utility, analysis of CUR, and sensitivity test. Data was collected by reviewing medical records, home care service records, medical fee claims, and other related research. RESULT: The mean of the annual total cost was 23,317,636 Won in home care and 73,739,352 Won in hospital care. QALY was 0.389 in home care and 0.474 in hospital care, so CUR was 299,712,545 QALY in home care and 777,841,266 QALY in hospital care. CONCLUSION: The findings affirmed that home care had an economical efficiency in the aspect of utility compared to hospitalization. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used to develop a governmental health policy or to expand the home care system. In addition, the cost-utility analysis framework and process of this study will be an example model for cost-utility analysis in nursing research. Therefore, it will be used as a guideline for future research related to cost-utility analysis in nursing.

Health Outcome Measurement in Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for choosing appropriate methods of health outcome measurement in phar?macoeconomic evaluation.METHODS:To compare different outcome measurement methods and introduce the standards in varied pharmacoeconomic guidelines.RESULTS&CONCLUSION:We should choose those methods according to different health systems,angles of research and disease specialities.