A cost-effectiveness threshold analysis of a multidisciplinary structured educational intervention in pediatric asthma. (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez-Martinez, Carlos E.; Sossa-Briceño, Monica P.; Castro-Rodriguez, Jose A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 55:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 561
• Page End: 570
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Adherence -- asthma -- asthma education -- cost-effectiveness -- quality-adjusted life-years; Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2017.1348512
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : Asthma educational interventions have been shown to improve several clinically and economically important outcomes. However, these interventions are costly in themselves and could lead to even higher disease costs. A cost-effectiveness threshold analysis would be helpful in determining the threshold value of the cost of educational interventions, leading to these interventions being cost-effective. The aim of the present study was to perform a cost-effectiveness threshold analysis to determine the level at which the cost of a pediatric asthma educational intervention would be cost-effective and cost-saving. Methods : A Markov-type model was developed in order to estimate costs and health outcomes of a simulated cohort of pediatric patients with persistent asthma treated over a 12-month period. Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a single uncontrolled before-and-after study performed with Colombian asthmatic children. Cost data were obtained from official databases provided by the Colombian Ministry of Health. The main outcome was the variable "quality-adjusted life-years" (QALYs). Results : A deterministic threshold sensitivity analysis showed that the asthma educational intervention will be cost-saving to the health system if its cost is under US$513.20. Additionally, the analysis showed that the cost of the intervention would have to be below US$967.40 in order to be cost-effective. Conclusions : This study identified the level at which the cost of a pediatric asthma educational intervention will be cost-effective and cost-saving for the health system in Colombia. Our findings could be a useful aid for decision makers in efficiently allocating limited resources when planning asthma educational interventions for pediatric patients.