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De Anda JA, Irvine MA, Zhang W, Salway T, Haag D, Gilbert M. Cost-effectiveness of internet-based HIV screening among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Metro Vancouver, Canada. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294628. [PMID: 38011230 PMCID: PMC10681302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GetCheckedOnline is an internet-based screening service aiming to increase HIV testing among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). We assessed the cost-effectiveness of GetCheckedOnline in its first implementation phase at different uptake scenarios compared to clinic-based screening services alone in Metro Vancouver, Canada. METHODS From a healthcare payer's perspective, our cost-utility analysis used an established dynamic GBMSM HIV compartmental model estimating the probability of acquiring HIV, progressing through diagnosis, disease stages and treatment over a 30-year time horizon. The base case scenario assumed 4.7% uptake of GetCheckedOnline in 2016 (remainder using clinic-based services), with 74% of high-risk and 44% of low-risk infrequent testers becoming regular testers in five years. Scenario analyses tested increased GetCheckedOnline uptake to 10% and 15%. RESULTS The cost per test for GetCheckedOnline was $29.40 compared to clinic-based services $56.92. Compared with clinic-based screening services, the projected increase in testing frequency with 4.7% uptake of GetCheckedOnline increased the costs by $329,600 (95% Credible Interval: -$498,200, $571,000) and gained 4.53 (95%CrI: 0, 9.20) quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in a 30-year time horizon. The probability of GetCheckedOnline being cost-effective was 34% at the threshold of $50,000 per QALY, and increased to 73% at the threshold of $100,000 per QALY. The results were consistent in the other uptake scenarios. The probability of GetCheckedOnline being cost-effective became 80% at the threshold of $50,000 per QALY if assuming 5-year time horizon. CONCLUSIONS GetCheckedOnline is almost half the cost of clinic-based services on a per-test basis. However, increased access to testing should be balanced with risk profiles of patients to ensure the implementation can be a cost-effective strategy for increasing HIV screening among GBMSM in Metro Vancouver. Additional analyses are needed to understand the impact of internet-based screening including screening for other STIs and in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. De Anda
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael A. Irvine
- Institute of Applied Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Devon Haag
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Spagnolello O, Gallagher B, Lone N, Ceccarelli G, D'Ettorre G, Reed MJ. The Role of Targeted HIV Screening in the Emergency Department: A Scoping Review. Curr HIV Res 2021; 19:106-120. [PMID: 33231157 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x18666201123113905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to expand worldwide, and a significant proportion of infection is still undiagnosed. Recent studies have addressed the impact and feasibility of 'opt-out' HIV screening in Emergency Departments (EDs) in urban settings at high HIV prevalence, whereas little is known about the yield of implementing 'targeted' HIV testing, especially in low-prevalence areas. OBJECTIVE The present study undertakes a scoping review of research carried out on the implementation of targeted HIV screening of adult in EDs to determine the impact, feasibility and acceptability of HIV testing in different HIV prevalence settings. DESIGN Online databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE) were used to identify papers published between 2000 to 2020. A three-concept search was employed with HIV (HIV, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, HIV infections), targeted testing (Target, screening or testing) and emergency medicine (Emergency Service, emergency ward, A&E, accident and emergency or Emergency Department) (28th February 2020). Only full-text articles written in English, French, Spanish or Italian and using impact and/or feasibility and/or acceptability of the program as primary or secondary outcomes were analysed. RESULTS The search provided 416 articles. Of these, 12 met inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Most of the included studies were carried out in the United States (n=8; 67%) and in areas of high HIV prevalence (n=11; 92%). Three (20%) were randomized control studies. While the rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases varied widely (0.03-2.2%), likely due to methodological heterogeneity between studies, the linkage of new HIV diagnosis was often high (80-100%) and median CD4+ cell count was always greater than 200 cells per microliter. Targeted HIV screening was found to be cost-effective (out of 2 studies) and well accepted by participants (out 2 studies). CONCLUSIONS Targeted HIV screening at the ED can be impactful, feasible and well accepted, but often requires extra funding and staff. Most previous work has focused on areas of high disease prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Spagnolello
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernadette Gallagher
- Emergency Medicine Research Group Edinburgh (EMERGE), Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
| | - Nazir Lone
- Department of Critical Care, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Matthew J Reed
- Emergency Medicine Research Group Edinburgh (EMERGE), Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
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Rein SM, Smith CJ, Chaloner C, Stafford A, Rodger AJ, Johnson MA, McDonnell J, Burns F, Madge S, Miners A, Sherr L, Collins S, Speakman A, Phillips AN, Lampe FC. Prospective association of social circumstance, socioeconomic, lifestyle and mental health factors with subsequent hospitalisation over 6-7 year follow up in people living with HIV. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 31:100665. [PMID: 33554077 PMCID: PMC7846674 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predictors of hospitalisation in people with HIV (PLHIV) in the contemporary treatment era are not well understood. METHODS This ASTRA sub-study used clinic data linkage and record review to determine occurrence of hospitalisations among 798 PLHIV from baseline questionnaire (February to December 2011) until 1 June 2018. Associations of baseline social circumstance, socioeconomic, lifestyle, mental health, demographic and clinical factors with repeated all-cause hospitalisation from longitudinal data were investigated using Prentice-Williams-Peterson models. Associations were also assessed in 461 individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with viral load ≤50 copies/ml and CD4 count ≥500 cells/ µl. FINDINGS Rate of hospitalisation was 5.8/100 person-years (95% CI: 5.1-6.5). Adjusted for age, demographic group and time with diagnosed HIV, the following social circumstance, socioeconomic, lifestyle and mental health factors predicted hospitalisation: no stable partner (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.59; 95% CI=1.16-2.20 vs living with partner); having children (aHR=1.50; 1.08-2.10); non-employment (aHR=1.56; 1.07-2.27 for unemployment; aHR=2.39; 1.70-3.37 for sick/disabled vs employed); rented housing (aHR=1.72; 1.26-2.37 vs homeowner); not enough money for basic needs (aHR=1.82; 1.19-2.78 vs enough); current smoking (aHR=1.39; 1.02-1.91 vs never); recent injection-drug use (aHR=2.11; 1.30-3.43); anxiety symptoms (aHRs=1.39; 1.01-1.91, 2.06; 1.43-2.95 for mild and moderate vs none/minimal); depressive symptoms (aHRs=1.67; 1.17-2.38, 1.91; 1.30-2.78 for moderate and severe vs none/minimal); treated/untreated depression (aHRs=1.65; 1.03-2.64 for treated depression only, 1.87; 1.39-2.52 for depressive symptoms only; 1.53; 1.05-2.24; for treated depression and depressive symptoms, versus neither). Associations were broadly similar in those with controlled HIV and high CD4. INTERPRETATION Social circumstance, socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse lifestyle factors and poorer mental health are strong predictors of hospitalisation in PLHIV, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and care. FUNDING British HIV Association (BHIVA) Research Award (2017); SMR funded by a PhD fellowship from the Royal Free Charity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M. Rein
- Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Adam Stafford
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Madge
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alec Miners
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Fiona C. Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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Leon-Reyes S, Schäfer J, Früh M, Schwenkglenks M, Reich O, Schmidlin K, Staehelin C, Battegay M, Cavassini M, Hasse B, Bernasconi E, Calmy A, Hoffmann M, Schoeni-Affolter F, Zhao H, Bucher HC. Cost Estimates for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Care and Patient Characteristics for Health Resource Use From Linkage of Claims Data With the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:827-833. [PMID: 30020416 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive and representative data on resource use are critical for health policy decision making but often lacking for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Privacy-preserving probabilistic record linkage of claim and cohort study data may overcome these limitations. METHODS Encrypted dates of birth, sex, study center, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) records for 2012 and 2013 were linked by privacy-preserving probabilistic record linkage with claim data from the largest health insurer covering 15% of the Swiss residential population. We modeled predictors for mean annual costs adjusting for censoring and grouped patients by cluster analysis into 3 risk groups for resource use. RESULTS The matched subsample of 1196 patients from 9326 SHCS and 2355 claim records was representative for all SHCS patients receiving ART. The corrected mean (standard error) total costs in 2012 and 2013 were $30462 ($582) and $30965 ($629) and mainly accrued in ambulatory care for ART (70% of mean costs). The low-risk group for resource use had mean (standard error) annual costs of $26772 ($536) and $26132 ($589) in 2012 and 2013. In the moderate- and high-risk groups, annual costs for 2012 and 2013 were higher by $3526 (95% confidence interval, $1907-$5144) (13%) and $4327 ($2662-$5992) (17%) and $14026 ($8763-$19289) (52%) and $13567 ($8844-$18288) (52%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a representative subsample of patients from linkage of SHCS and claim data, ART was the major cost factor, but patient profiling enabled identification of factors related to higher resource use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Leon-Reyes
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel
| | - Juliane Schäfer
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel
| | - Mathias Früh
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana-Group Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Oliver Reich
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana-Group Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Schmidlin
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Staehelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - Barbara Hasse
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Hongwei Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland
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Enns B, Min JE, Panagiotoglou D, Montaner JSG, Nosyk B. Geographic variation in the costs of medical care for people living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:626. [PMID: 31481056 PMCID: PMC6724338 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regional variation in medical care costs can indicate heterogeneity in clinical practice, inequities in access, or inefficiencies in service delivery. We aimed to estimate regional variation in medical costs for people living with HIV (PLHIV), adjusting for demographics and case-mix. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative databases of PLHIV, from 2010 to 2014, in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Quarterly health care costs (2018 CAD) were derived from inpatient, outpatient, prescription drugs, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and HIV diagnostics. We used a two-part model with a logit link for the probability of incurring costs, and a log link and gamma distribution for observations with positive costs. We also estimated quarterly utilization rates for hospitalization-, physician billing- and prescription drug-days. Primary variables were indicators of individuals’ Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA). We adjusted cost and utilization estimates for demographic characteristics, HIV-disease progression, and comorbidities. Results Our cohort included 9577 PLHIV (median age 45.5 years, 80% male). Adjusted total quarterly costs for all 16 HSDAs were within 20% of the provincial mean, 8/16 for hospitalization costs, 16/16 for physician billing costs and 10/16 for prescription drug costs. Northern Interior and Northeast HSDAs had 38 and 44% lower quarterly non-ART prescription drug costs, and 2 and 5% higher quarterly inpatient costs, respectively. Conclusions We observed limited variation in medical care costs and utilization among PLHIV in BC. However, lower levels of outpatient care and higher levels of inpatient care indicate possible barriers to accessing care among PLHIV in the most rural regions of the province. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4391-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Enns
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 613-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 613-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Dimitra Panagiotoglou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A2, Canada
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 613-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 667-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 613-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Sidhu A, Kakkar R, Alenezi O. The Management of Newly Diagnosed HIV in a Sudanese Refugee in Canada: Commentary and Review of Literature. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2019; 14:61-65. [PMID: 30179141 PMCID: PMC6691779 DOI: 10.2174/1574887113666180903145323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence rates in refugee camps are inconclusive in current literature, with some studies highlighting the increased risk of transmission due to poor living conditions and lower levels of education. With the increasing number of refugees from HIV endemic countries, it is important to assess the programs established to support patients upon arrival. Refugees have been reported to have a lower health literacy and face disease-related stigmatization, which must be overcome for the lifelong treatment of HIV. CASE PRESENTATION 31-year-old female arrived in Canada as a refugee from Sudan with her 5 children in July of 2017. She was diagnosed with HIV and severe dental carries during her initial medical evaluation and referred to our centre. A lack of social support has resulted in severe psychological stress. The first being stigmatization which has led to her not disclosing the diagnosis to anyone outside her medical care team. Her level of knowledge about HIV is consistent with literature reporting that despite HIV prevention programs in refugee camps, compliance with risk reduction behaviors, especially in females, is low. Lastly, her major concern relates to the cost of living and supporting her children. CONCLUSION Assessment of current HIV programs is necessary to recognize and resolve gaps in the system. Focusing on programs which increase both risk reduction behaviors in refugee camps and integration of refugees in a new healthcare system can facilitate an easier transition for patients and aid in the quest for global 90-90-90 targets for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aven Sidhu
- Address correspondence to this author at the Vancouver Virology Centre, Vancouver, Canada; Tel: +1 604-615-2386; Fax: +1 604-336-2038;, E-mail:
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Campbell AR, Kinvig K, Côté HC, Lester RT, Qiu AQ, Maan EJ, Alimenti A, Pick N, Murray MC. Health Care Provider Utilization and Cost of an mHealth Intervention in Vulnerable People Living With HIV in Vancouver, Canada: Prospective Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e152. [PMID: 29986845 PMCID: PMC6056738 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.9493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving adherence to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) can be challenging, especially among vulnerable populations living with HIV. Even where cART is available free of charge, social determinants of health act as barriers to optimal adherence rates. Patient-centered approaches exploiting mobile phone communications (mHealth) have been shown to improve adherence to cART and promote achievement of suppressed HIV plasma viral loads. However, data are scarce on the health care provider (HCP) time commitments and health care costs associated with such interventions. This knowledge is needed to inform policy and programmatic implementation. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to approximate the resources required and to provide an estimate of the costs associated with running an mHealth intervention program to improve medication adherence in people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS This prospective study of HCP utilization and costs was embedded within a repeated measures effectiveness study of the WelTel short-message service (SMS) mHealth program. The study included 85 vulnerable, nonadherent PLWH in Vancouver, Canada, and resulted in improved medication adherence and HIV plasma viral load among participants. Study participants were provided mobile phones with unlimited texting (where required) and received weekly bidirectional text messages to inquire on their status for one year. A clinic nurse triaged and managed participants' responses, immediately logging all patient interactions by topic, HCP involvement, and time dedicated to addressing issues raised by participants. Interaction costs were determined in Canadian dollars based on HCP type, median salary within our health authority, and their time utilized as part of the intervention. RESULTS Participant-identified problems within text responses included health-related, social, and logistical issues. Taken together, management of problems required a median of 43 minutes (interquartile range, IQR 17-99) of HCP time per participant per year, for a median yearly cost of Can $36.72 (IQR 15.50-81.60) per participant who responded with at least one problem. The clinic nurse who monitored the texts solved or managed 65% of these issues, and the remaining were referred to a variety of other HCPs. The total intervention costs, including mobile phones, plans, and staffing were a median Can $347.74/highly vulnerable participant per year for all participants or Can $383.18/highly vulnerable participant per year for those who responded with at least one problem. CONCLUSIONS Bidirectional mHealth programs improve HIV care and treatment outcomes for PLWH. Knowledge about the HCP cost associated, here less than Can $50/year, provides stakeholders and decision makers with information relevant to determining the feasibility and sustainability of mHealth programs in a real-world setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02603536; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02603536 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70IYqKUjV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber R Campbell
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen Kinvig
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hélène Cf Côté
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard T Lester
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annie Q Qiu
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evelyn J Maan
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ariane Alimenti
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Neora Pick
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melanie Cm Murray
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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8
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Nosyk B, Min JE, Krebs E, Zang X, Compton M, Gustafson R, Barrios R, Montaner JSG. The Cost-Effectiveness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing and Treatment Engagement Initiatives in British Columbia, Canada: 2011-2013. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:765-777. [PMID: 29028964 PMCID: PMC5850008 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recognition of the secondary preventive benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has mobilized global efforts to "seek, test, treat, and retain" people living with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]/AIDS (PLHIV) in HIV care. We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of a set of HIV testing and treatment engagement interventions initiated in British Columbia, Canada, in 2011-2013. Methods Using a previously validated dynamic HIV transmission model, linked individual-level health administrative data for PLHIV, and aggregate-level HIV testing data, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of primary care testing (hospital, emergency department [ED], outpatient), ART initiation, and ART retention initiatives vs a counterfactual scenario that approximated the status quo. HIV incidence, mortality, costs (in 2015$CDN), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated. Analyses were executed over 5- to 25-year time horizons from a government-payer perspective. Results ED testing was the best value at $30216 per QALY gained and had the greatest impact on incidence and mortality among PLHIV, while ART initiation provided the greatest QALY gains. The ART retention initiative was not cost-effective. Delivered in combination at the observed scale and sustained throughout the study period, we estimated a 12.8% reduction in cumulative HIV incidence and a 4.7% reduction in deaths among PLHIV at $55258 per QALY gained. Results were most sensitive to uncertainty in the number of undiagnosed PLHIV. Conclusions HIV testing and ART initiation interventions were cost-effective, while the ART retention intervention was not. Developing strategies to reengage PLHIV lost to care is a priority moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
| | - Jeong E Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
| | | | - Xiao Zang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
| | - Miranda Compton
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Reka Gustafson
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rolando Barrios
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
- Division of AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Jaworsky D, Phillips P, Cui Z, Chau W, Colley G, Dutta R, Yip B, Kremer H, Eyawo O, Montaner JS, Hull MW. Trends in discharges from the HIV/AIDS ward at a tertiary Canadian Hospital from 2005 to 2014. AIDS Care 2018; 30:1099-1106. [PMID: 29397766 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1434121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Advances in HIV therapies have transformed HIV infection into a manageable chronic disease. Accordingly, hospital admission trends among people living with HIV may have evolved over time. This study describes discharge diagnoses from the dedicated HIV/AIDS ward at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. A retrospective database review of admissions to the HIV/AIDS ward between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2014 was conducted. Primary discharge diagnoses were manually categorized by condition and reviewed by two physicians. Data were analysed in 12-month intervals. Trends were fitted using generalized estimating equations. A total of 1595 individuals with 3919 admissions were included. The median age was 46 years, 77.1% identified as male, 63.6% had a history of injection drug use (IDU) and 61.8% had a history of hepatitis C virus exposure. The most common reasons for admission included non-opportunistic respiratory tract infections (18.2%), cellulitis (7.3%), gastroenteritis (6.0%), endocarditis/bacteremia (4.9%) and bone/joint infections (3.5%). The proportion of admissions attributable to opportunistic infections declined from 16.2% in 2005 to 5.5% in 2014. Over this period, the proportion of individuals on antiretroviral therapy and with virologic suppression increased (odds ratio 1.19 [95% confidence interval 1.16, 1.23] and 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.17, 1.26], respectively). These results demonstrate a decline in admissions related to opportunistic infections but increased admissions due to other infections among people living with HIV. Preventive and outpatient care for respiratory infections and complications of IDU may further improve health care outcomes and decrease hospital admissions in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Jaworsky
- a Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Peter Phillips
- a Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada.,c Division of Infectious Diseases , St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - William Chau
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Guillaume Colley
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Raja Dutta
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Benita Yip
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Hayden Kremer
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Oghenowede Eyawo
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada.,d Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , BC , Canada
| | - Julio Sg Montaner
- a Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Mark W Hull
- a Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , BC , Canada
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Informing Targeted Interventions to Optimize the Cascade of HIV Care Using Cluster Analyses of Health Resource Use Among People Living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:234-244. [PMID: 28660380 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased awareness of the secondary preventive benefits of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has strengthened the desire to optimize health care systems' response to HIV/AIDS. We identified clusters of health resource utilization (HRU) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) to inform targeted interventions aimed to optimize the cascade of HIV care. Using linked population-level health databases in British Columbia, Canada, we selected two analytic samples of PLHIV with 3 years of follow-up between 2006-2011 that were classified as intermittently retained in care or intermittently engaged in ART, and executed a probabilistic model-based clustering analysis for each sample with 5 and 9 quarterly HRU variables, respectively. We found clear HRU profile differences among both samples with similar HIV-related care: one featured active involvement in non-HIV care, the other little or no health care interaction following linkage to care. Differential reengagement intervention strategies capitalizing on missed opportunities in non-HIV care and further engaging physicians delivering HIV care are needed to optimize the response to the HIV epidemic.
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A Population-Based Study of Care at the End of Life Among People With HIV in Ontario From 2010 to 2013. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75:e1-e7. [PMID: 27984556 PMCID: PMC5389586 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging and increasing comorbidity is changing the end-of-life experience of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the developed world. We quantified, at a population level, the receipt of health care services and associated costs across a comprehensive set of sectors among decedents with and without HIV. METHODS We conducted a retrospective population-level observational study of all decedents in Ontario and their receipt of health care services, captured through linked health administrative databases, between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013. We identified PLHIV using a validated algorithm. We described the characteristics of PLHIV and their receipt of health care services and associated costs by health care sector in the last year of life. RESULTS We observed 264,754 eligible deaths, 570 of whom had HIV. PLHIV were significantly younger than those without HIV (mean age of death 56.1 years vs. 76.6 years, [P < 0.01]). PLHIV spent a mean of 20.0 days in an acute care hospital in the last 90 days of life compared with 12.1 days for decedents without HIV (P < 0.01); after adjustment, HIV was associated with 4.5 more acute care days (P < 0.01). Mean cost of care in the last year was significantly higher among PLHIV ($80,885.62 vs. $53,869.77), mostly attributable to acute care costs. INTERPRETATION PLHIV in Ontario are dying younger, spending more time and dying more often in hospital, and incur significantly increased costs before death. Greater involvement of community-based palliative care may improve the dying experience for this complex population.
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Zang X, Tang H, Min JE, Gu D, Montaner JSG, Wu Z, Nosyk B. Cost-Effectiveness of the 'One4All' HIV Linkage Intervention in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167308. [PMID: 27893864 PMCID: PMC5125690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, an estimated 80% of newly-identified antiretroviral therapy (ART)-eligible patients are not engaged in ART. Delayed ART uptake ultimately translates into high rates of HIV morbidity, mortality, and transmission. To enhance HIV testing receipt and subsequent treatment uptake in Guangxi, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) executed a cluster-randomized trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a streamlined HIV testing algorithm (the One4All intervention) in 12 county-level hospitals. OBJECTIVE To determine the incremental cost-effectiveness of the One4All intervention delivered at county hospitals in Guangxi, China, compared to the current standard of care (SOC). PERSPECTIVE Health System. TIME HORIZON 1-, 5-and 25-years. METHODS We adapted a dynamic, compartmental HIV transmission model to simulate HIV transmission and progression in Guangxi, China and identify the economic impact and health benefits of implementing the One4All intervention in all Guangxi hospitals. The One4All intervention algorithm entails rapid point-of-care HIV screening, CD4 and viral load testing of individuals presenting for HIV screening, with same-day results and linkage to counselling. We populated the model with data from the One4All trial (CTN-0056), China CDC HIV registry and published reports. Model outcomes were HIV incidence, mortality, costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the One4All intervention compared to SOC. RESULTS The One4All testing intervention was more costly than SOC (CNY 2,182 vs. CNY 846), but facilitated earlier ART access, resulting in delayed disease progression and mortality. Over a 25-year time horizon, we estimated that introducing One4All in Guangxi would result in 802 averted HIV cases and 1629 averted deaths at an ICER of CNY 11,678 per QALY gained. Sensitivity analysis revealed that One4All remained cost-effective at even minimal levels of effectiveness. Results were robust to changes to a range of parameters characterizing the HIV epidemic over time. CONCLUSIONS The One4All HIV testing strategy was highly cost-effective by WHO standards, and should be prioritized for widespread implementation in Guangxi, China. Integrating the intervention within a broader combination prevention strategy would enhance the public health response to HIV/AIDS in Guangxi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Houlin Tang
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Diane Gu
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Julio S. G. Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zunyou Wu
- The National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Kaposy C, Greenspan NR, Marshall Z, Allison J, Marshall S, Kitson C. The ethical case for providing cost-free access to lifesaving HIV medications in Canada: Implications of a qualitative study. Healthc Manage Forum 2016; 29:255-259. [PMID: 27744277 DOI: 10.1177/0840470416660569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy for HIV can be expensive if paid for out of pocket. In Canada, there are a variety of federal, provincial, and private prescription drug plans that lower the cost of these lifesaving medications for people living with HIV, and in some cases, these plans result in cost-free access. However, many people living with HIV must contend with high deductibles for their antiretroviral therapies, and many experience difficulty managing the administrative requirements of their drug plans. This article comments on some of the results of a qualitative study into ethical issues in HIV care. Access to antiretrovirals was a theme that emerged in this study. We argue on ethical grounds that provincial drug plans should guarantee cost-free access to antiretroviral therapies for people living with HIV with minimal administrative requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Kaposy
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
| | - Nicole R Greenspan
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zack Marshall
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,Novel Tech Ethics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jill Allison
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Shelley Marshall
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Population and Public Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Cynthia Kitson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Cost-effectiveness of population-level expansion of highly active antiretroviral treatment for HIV in British Columbia, Canada: a modelling study. Lancet HIV 2015; 2:e393-400. [PMID: 26423553 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(15)00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread HIV screening and access to highly active antiretroviral treatment (ART) were cost effective in mathematical models, but population-level implementation has led to questions about cost, value, and feasibility. In 1996, British Columbia, Canada, introduced universal coverage of drug and other health-care costs for people with HIV/AIDS and and began extensive scale-up in access to ART. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of ART scale-up in British Columbia compared with hypothetical scenarios of constrained treatment access. METHODS Using comprehensive linked population-level data, we populated a dynamic, compartmental transmission model to simulate the HIV/AIDS epidemic in British Columbia from 1997 to 2010. We estimated HIV incidence, prevalence, mortality, costs (in 2010 CAN$), and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for the study period, which was 1997-2010. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios from societal and third-party-payer perspectives to compare actual practice (true numbers of individuals accessing ART) to scenarios of constrained expansion (75% and 50% probability of accessing ART). We also investigated structural and parameter uncertainty. FINDINGS Actual practice resulted in 263 averted incident cases compared with 75% of observed access and 676 averted cases compared with 50% of observed access to ART. From a third-party-payer perspective, actual practice resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $23 679 per QALY versus 75% access and $24 250 per QALY versus 50% access. From a societal perspective, actual practice was cost saving within the study period. When the model was extended to 2035, current observed access resulted in cumulative savings of $25·1 million compared with the 75% access scenario and $65·5 million compared with the 50% access scenario. INTERPRETATION ART scale-up in British Columbia has decreased HIV-related morbidity, mortality, and transmission. Resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for actual practice, derived within a limited timeframe, were within established cost-effectiveness thresholds and were cost saving from a societal perspective. FUNDING BC Ministry of Health, National Institute of Drug Abuse at the US National Institutes of Health.
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