Cost‐minimization analysis of a tailored oral health intervention designed for immigrant older adults. Issue 2 (18th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mariño, Rodrigo J; Fajardo, Jorge; Calache, Hanny; Morgan, Mike
• Is Part Of: Geriatrics and gerontology international. Volume 14:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 336
• Page End: 340
• Publication Date: 2013-06-18
• Subjects: Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Japan -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Japan -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-1586

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ggi12103-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>This paper presents an economic evaluation, from a societal viewpoint, comparing a community‐based oral health promotion program aimed at improving the gingival health of immigrant older adults, with one‐on‐one chairside oral hygiene instructions at a public dental clinic in Melbourne, Australia.</p> </sec> <sec id="ggi12103-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>The costs associated with implementing and operating the oral health promotion program were identified and measured using 2008 prices. The intervention was based on the Oral Health Information Seminars/Sheets model, and consisted of 10 20‐min oral hygiene group seminars and four 10‐min supervised individual brushing sessions carried out by a non‐oral health professional educator. Health outcomes were measured as a reduction in gingival bleeding. Clinical data showed a 75% reduction in mean gingival bleeding scores among those who took part in the intervention. A population of 100 active, independent‐living older adults living in Melbourne, and members of Italian social clubs, was used for modeling in this analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="ggi12103-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>This analysis estimated that if an oral hygiene program using the Oral Health Information Seminars/Sheets model was available to 100 older adults, the net cost from a societal perspective would be AUD$6965.20. In comparison, a standard individual oral hygiene instruction program, at public dental clinics, given equivalent levels of case complexity and assuming the same level of effectiveness, would cost AUD$40 185.00. Per participant cost of a community‐based oral health promotion program was $69.65 versus $401.85 for chairside instruction.</p> </sec> <sec id="ggi12103-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Findings confirm that community‐based oral health interventions are highly cost‐effective and an efficient use of society's financial resources. <bold>Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 336–340.</bold></p> </sec> </abstract>