Cost-effectiveness Assessment of the Cataract Operation Modes / 中国慢性病预防与控制

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the cost-effectiveness of different modes of the cataract operation. Methods Firstly, 291 cases of cataract inpatient were divided four groups according to operation modes (PHACO and ECCE) and the prices of intraocular lens (IOL) (high and low). Then the comparisons of inpatient cost, operation cost, postoperative VA, postoperative VF and QOL were made among four groups respectively. Finally, the cost-effectiveness of different cataract operation modes was analyzed by comparing the differences of their costs with the VA, VF and QOL improvement. Results There were significant differences in the above indicators among four groups in general (P 0.01). The VA improvement amount of PHACO was higher than that of ECCE whereas the VF and QOL improvement lower than those of ECCE. The price of IOL had no effect on the improvement quantity of VA, VF and QOL. When one unit amount of VA improvement wanted, the cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient with PHACO and low-price IOL was the lowest. When one unit amount of VF and QOL improvement wanted, the cost-effectiveness ratio of patients with ECCE and high-price IOL was the lowest. When one unit amount of VA and QOL improvement wanted, the operation cost-effectiveness ratio of ECCE with low-price IOL was the lowest. And when one unit amount of VF improvement wanted, the operation cost-effectiveness ratio of ECCE with high-price IOL was the lowest. Conclusions There were cost differences among different cataract operation modes. The cost of PHACO was higher than that of ECCE. The ECCE mode and price of IOL were the main determinants of cost. The effects of improving VA and QOL by ECCE were better and the effect of improving VA by PHACO was better than by ECCE. The homemade or low price IOL had no influence on the cataractous operative effectiveness, but could decrease the operation cost. ECCE with low-price IOL was the optimal cost-effectiveness strategy and operation mode, especially for poor rural and remote areas.