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Schillen P, in der Schmitten J, Danielzik K, Hillal E, Moebus S, Dehnen A. [Primary Care Inequalities to the Disadvantage of the Population of Socially Deprived Urban Areas: A Case Study of Essen, Germany]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 85:1131-1139. [PMID: 37963576 PMCID: PMC10713330 DOI: 10.1055/a-2175-8290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Background As a large city in the middle of a metropolitan area, the city of Essen is characterized by strong social segregation and a north-south divide in the social status of its population. The conventional demand planning does not take such strong disparities within a planning unit into account. The present study aims to analyze the distribution of primary care structures using the example of two large urban areas within the city of Essen and to identify perspectives for strengthening primary care in disadvantaged urban areas. Methods First, a secondary data analysis was carried out at the district level and the study area Essen North (258,790 residents), consisting of 19 districts, was defined on the basis of two inclusion criteria - 1. location of the district north of the A40 freeway and 2. a mean subsistence rate>17.20 percent (average value of the city of Essen). Subsequently the study area was compared with the rest of the city (332,242 residents) with regard to the indicators a) social status, and b) available general practioners and pediatricians. The data of the selected indicators is based on the social reporting of the city of Essen and the "Online Practice Search" (Online-Praxissuche) of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians North Rhine. The resulting database (last update: 10/20212) was then evaluated at the district level and the primary care situation of the two urban areas was compared. Results The results revealed a significantly lower primary care coverage in the socially disadvantaged study area Essen North by about 25 percent for general practioners and by almost half for pediatricians. Thus, higher social disadvantage was associated with poorer access to primary care close to home, especially for children and adolescents. Conclusion The distribution of primary care providers in the city of Essen increases the risk of contributing to the manifestation of geographic disparities and health inequalities. The existing planning system in particular is not suitable for addressing the threatening or already existing undersupply of primary health care to the population in disadvantaged urban districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Schillen
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universität
Duisburg-Essen Medizinische Fakultät, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen in der Schmitten
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universität
Duisburg-Essen Medizinische Fakultät, Essen, Germany
| | - Katja Danielzik
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universität
Duisburg-Essen Medizinische Fakultät, Essen, Germany
| | - Ellen Hillal
- Institut für Urban Public Health, Universitätsklinikum
Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Susanne Moebus
- Institut für Urban Public Health, Universitätsklinikum
Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alessia Dehnen
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universität
Duisburg-Essen Medizinische Fakultät, Essen, Germany
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Marijic P, Murawski M, Maier W, Hamacher K, Laub O, Lang M, Grill E, Schwettmann L. Cost Effects of a Health Coaching in Children and Adolescents With Mental Health and Developmental Disorders. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:1118-1126. [PMID: 34968677 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health coaching (HC) aims to strengthen the role of primary care pediatricians in the treatment of children and adolescents with mental health and developmental disorders by extending consultation time and using disease-specific manuals. We evaluated the effect of HC on costs of specialized, pediatrician, and overall care. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study based on German health insurance claims data, we identified children aged up to 17 years with a newly diagnosed mental health and/or developmental disorder between 2013 and 2015. Patients getting HC were matched to patients receiving usual care. Costs were calculated for 1 year following the start of the treatment and compared by 2-part and gamma models. Absolute costs and cost differences were calculated with bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We compared 5597 patients receiving HC with 5597 control patients. The probability of incurring specialized care costs was similar between the groups (0.96, 95% CI: 0.88; 1.05). However, for those who did incur costs, specialized care costs were significantly lower for HC-treated patients (0.77, 95% CI: 0.63; 0.93). Accordingly, specialized care costs were lower by €-94 (95% CI: €-175; €-18), while pediatrician care costs were higher for HC-treated patients by €57 (95% CI: €49; €64). Hence, overall costs did not differ between the groups (€-59, 95% CI: €-191; €71). CONCLUSION Provision of HC has the potential to lower the costs of specialized care, while increasing the costs of pediatrician care. Overall costs did not differ, suggesting that the additional costs incurred by the HC were offset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavo Marijic
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) (P Marijic, M Murawski, W Maier, and L Schwettmann), Neuherberg, Germany; Pettenkoffer School of Public Health (P Marijic), Munich, Germany; Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, IBE, LMU Munich (P Marijic and E Grill), Munich, Germany.
| | - Monika Murawski
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) (P Marijic, M Murawski, W Maier, and L Schwettmann), Neuherberg, Germany; IFT Institut für Therapieforschung (M Murawski), Munich, Germany
| | - Werner Maier
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) (P Marijic, M Murawski, W Maier, and L Schwettmann), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Karina Hamacher
- BKK Vertragsarbeitsgemeinschaft Bayern (K Hamacher), Munich, Germany
| | - Otto Laub
- PaedNetz Bayern e.V. (O Laub and M Lang), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Lang
- PaedNetz Bayern e.V. (O Laub and M Lang), Munich, Germany; Berufsverband der Kinder- und Jugendärzte (BVKJ) e.V. (M Lang) Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Grill
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, IBE, LMU Munich (P Marijic and E Grill), Munich, Germany; German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Munich (E Grill), Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Schwettmann
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) (P Marijic, M Murawski, W Maier, and L Schwettmann), Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Economics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (L Schwettmann), Halle (Saale), Germany
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3
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Sabaté M, Vidal X, Ballarin E, Rottenkolber M, Schmiedl S, Grave B, Huerta C, Martin-Merino E, Montero D, Leon-Muñoz LM, Gasse C, Moore N, Droz C, Lassalle R, Aakjær M, Andersen M, De Bruin ML, Souverein P, Klungel OH, Gardarsdottir H, Ibáñez L. Adherence to Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-National Comparison in Six European Countries (2008-2015). Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:682890. [PMID: 34803665 PMCID: PMC8596153 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.682890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To describe and compare the adherence to different direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in eight European databases representing six countries. Methods: Longitudinal drug utilization study of new users (≥18 years) of DOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) with a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (2008-2015). Adherence was examined by estimating persistence, switching, and discontinuation rates at 12 months. Primary non-adherence was estimated in BIFAP and SIDIAP databases. Results: The highest persistence rate was seen for apixaban in the CPRD database (81%) and the lowest for dabigatran in the Mondriaan database (22%). The switching rate for all DOACs ranged from 2.4 to 13.1% (Mondriaan and EGB databases, respectively). Dabigatran had the highest switching rate from 5.0 to 20.0% (Mondriaan and EGB databases, respectively). The discontinuation rate for all DOACs ranged from 16.0 to 63.9% (CPRD and Bavarian CD databases, respectively). Dabigatran had the highest rate of discontinuers, except in the Bavarian CD and AOK NORDWEST databases, ranging from 23.2 to 64.6% (CPRD and Mondriaan databases, respectively). Combined primary non-adherence for examined DOACs was 11.1% in BIFAP and 14.0% in SIDIAP. There were differences in population coverage and in the type of drug data source among the databases. Conclusion: Despite the differences in the characteristics of the databases and in demographic and baseline characteristics of the included population that could explain some of the observed discrepancies, we can observe a similar pattern throughout the databases. Apixaban was the DOAC with the highest persistence. Dabigatran had the highest proportion of discontinuers and switchers at 12 months in most databases (EMA/2015/27/PH).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sabaté
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Vidal
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Ballarin
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Rottenkolber
- Diabetes Research Group, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - S Schmiedl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.,Philipp Klee-Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - B Grave
- AOK NORDWEST, Dortmund, Germany
| | - C Huerta
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - E Martin-Merino
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - D Montero
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Leon-Muñoz
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - C Gasse
- Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - N Moore
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC1401, Université de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Droz
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC1401, Université de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - R Lassalle
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC1401, Université de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Aakjær
- Pharmacovigilance Research Centre, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Andersen
- Pharmacovigilance Research Centre, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M L De Bruin
- Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science (CORS), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Souverein
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiteit Utrecht, David de Wiedgebouw, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - O H Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiteit Utrecht, David de Wiedgebouw, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - H Gardarsdottir
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiteit Utrecht, David de Wiedgebouw, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - L Ibáñez
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Olm M, Donnachie E, Tauscher M, Gerlach R, Linde K, Maier W, Schwettmann L, Schneider A. Ambulatory specialist costs and morbidity of coordinated and uncoordinated patients before and after abolition of copayment: A cohort analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253919. [PMID: 34181693 PMCID: PMC8238183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To strengthen the coordinating function of general practitioners (GPs) in the German healthcare system, a copayment of €10 was introduced in 2004. Due to a perceived lack of efficacy and a high administrative burden, it was abolished in 2012. The present cohort study investigates characteristics and differences of GP-coordinated and uncoordinated patients in Bavaria, Germany, concerning morbidity and ambulatory specialist costs and whether these differences have changed after the abolition of the copayment. We performed a retrospective routine data analysis, using claims data of the Bavarian Association of the Statutory Health Insurance Physicians during the period 2011–2012 (with copayment) and 2013–2016 (without copayment), covering 24 quarters. Coordinated care was defined as specialist contact only with referral. Multinomial regression modelling, including inverse probability of treatment weighting, was used for the cohort analysis of 500 000 randomly selected patients. Longitudinal regression models were calculated for cost estimation. Coordination of care decreased substantially after the abolition of the copayment, accompanied by increasing proportions of patients with chronic and mental diseases in the uncoordinated group, and a corresponding decrease in the coordinated group. In the presence of the copayment, uncoordinated patients had €21.78 higher specialist costs than coordinated patients, increasing to €24.94 after its abolition. The results indicate that patients incur higher healthcare costs for specialist ambulatory care when their care is uncoordinated. This effect slightly increased after abolition of the copayment. Beyond that, the abolition of the copayment led to a substantial reduction in primary care coordination, particularly affecting vulnerable patients. Therefore, coordination of care in the ambulatory setting should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Olm
- TUM School of Medicine, Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Ewan Donnachie
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Martin Tauscher
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Roman Gerlach
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Klaus Linde
- TUM School of Medicine, Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Werner Maier
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Lars Schwettmann
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Bavaria, Germany
- Department of Economics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle an der Saale, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- TUM School of Medicine, Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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Bělobrádek J, Šídlo L, Javorská K, Halata D. Urban or Rural GP? In the Czech Republic It Is not just Distances That Matter. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ) 2021; 64:15-21. [PMID: 33855954 DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2021.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This article proposes a combined mixed methods approach to categorising GP practices. It looks not only at location but also at differences in the nature of the work that rural GPs perform. A data analysis was conducted of the largest health insurance company in the Czech Republic (5.9 million patients, 60% of the population, 100% coverage within the Czech Republic). We performed two data analyses, one for 2014-2015 and one for 2016, and divided GP practices into urban, intermediate, and rural groups (taking into account the OECD methodology). We compared groups in terms of the total annual cost in CZK per adult registered insurance holders. The total volume of data indicated the financial costs of €1.52 billion and €2.57 billion respectively. Both analysis showed differences between all groups of practises which confirmed the assumption that the work of the GP is influenced by regionality. A multidisciplinary hospital is the main factor that fundamentally affects the way a GP's work in that area. The proposed principle of categorising general practices combines geographical and cost characteristics. This requires knowledge of the cost data of healthcare payer and on the basic demographic knowledge of the area. We suggest this principe may be transferrable and particularly suitable for categorising general practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bělobrádek
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. .,Working Group on Rural Practise of the Czech GP Society, Czech Republic.
| | - Luděk Šídlo
- Department of Demography and Geodemography, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Javorská
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.,Working Group on Rural Practise of the Czech GP Society, Czech Republic
| | - David Halata
- Working Group on Rural Practise of the Czech GP Society, Czech Republic
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Rottenkolber M, Schmiedl S, Ibánez L, Sabaté M, Ballarín E, Vidal X, Leon-Muñoz LM, Huerta C, Martin Merino E, Montero D, Gasse C, Andersen M, Aakjaer M, De Bruin ML, Gerlach R, Tauscher M, Souverein PC, van den Ham R, Klungel O, Gardarsdottir H. Prescribers' compliance with summary of product characteristics of dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban-A European comparative drug utilization study. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 128:440-454. [PMID: 33037766 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite a tremendous increase of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) prescriptions in recent years, only few data is available analysing prescribers' adherence to Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). We aimed to assess adherence to registered indications, contraindications, special warnings/precautions, and potential drug-drug interactions for three DOAC compounds (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban) in six databases of five European countries (The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, and Germany). We included adult patients (≥18 years) initiating DOACs between 2008 and 2015. For several SmPC items, broad definitions were used due to ambiguous SmPC terms or lacking data in some databases. Within the study period, a DOAC was initiated in 407 576 patients (rivaroxaban: 240 985 (59.1%), dabigatran: 95 303 (23.4%), and apixaban: 71 288 (17.5%)). In 2015, non-valvular atrial fibrillation was the most common indication (>60% in most databases). For the whole study period, a substantial variation between the databases was found regarding the proportion of patients with at least one contraindication (inter-database range [IDR]: 8.2%-55.7%), with at least one special warning/precaution (IDR: 35.8%-75.2%) and with at least one potential drug-drug interaction (IDR: 22.4%-54.1%). In 2015, the most frequent contraindication was "malignant neoplasm" (IDR: 0.7%-21.3%) whereas the most frequent special warning/precaution was "prescribing to the elderly" (≥75 years; IDR: 25.0%-66.4%). The most common single compound class interaction was "concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (IDR: 3.0%-25.3%). Contraindications, special warnings/precautions, and potential drug-drug interactions were present in a relevant number of new DOAC users. Due to broad definitions used for some SmPC terms, overall proportions for contraindications are prone to overestimation. However, for unambiguous SmPC terms documented in the databases sufficiently, the respective estimates can be considered valid. Differences between databases might be related to "true" differences in prescription behaviour, but could also be partially due to differences in database characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Rottenkolber
- Diabetes Research Group, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Schmiedl
- Philipp Klee-Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Luisa Ibánez
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Sabaté
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Ballarín
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Vidal
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luz María Leon-Muñoz
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Consuelo Huerta
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Martin Merino
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Montero
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christiane Gasse
- Department for Depression and Anxiety/Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Andersen
- Pharmacovigilance Research Centre, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mia Aakjaer
- Pharmacovigilance Research Centre, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Louise De Bruin
- Copenhagen Centre of Regulatory Science (CORS), Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roman Gerlach
- National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Bavaria, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Tauscher
- National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Bavaria, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick C Souverein
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne van den Ham
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Klungel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division Laboratory and Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Gardarsdottir
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division Laboratory and Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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7
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Olm M, Donnachie E, Tauscher M, Gerlach R, Linde K, Maier W, Schwettmann L, Schneider A. Impact of the abolition of copayments on the GP-centred coordination of care in Bavaria, Germany: analysis of routinely collected claims data. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035575. [PMID: 32878752 PMCID: PMC7470646 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2012, Germany abolished copayment for consultations in ambulatory care. This study investigated the effect of the abolition on general practitioner (GP)-centred coordination of care. We assessed how the proportion of patients with coordinated specialist care changed over time when copayment to all specialist services were removed. Furthermore, we studied how the number of ambulatory emergency cases and apparent 'doctor shopping' changed after the abolition. DESIGN A retrospective routine data analysis of the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, comparing the years 2011 and 2012 (with copayment), with the period from 2013 to 2016 (without copayment). Therefore, time series analyses covering 24 quarters were performed. SETTING Primary care in Bavaria, Germany. PARTICIPANTS All statutorily insured patients in Bavaria, aged ≥18 years, with at least one ambulatory specialist contact between 2011 and 2016. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was the percentage of patients with GP-coordinated care (every regular specialist consultation within a quarter was preceded by a GP referral). Secondary outcomes were the number of ambulatory emergency cases and apparent 'doctor shopping'. RESULTS After the abolition, the proportion of coordinated patients decreased from 49.6% (2011) to 15.5% (2016). Overall, younger patients and those living in areas with lower levels of deprivation showed the lowest proportions of coordination, which further decreased after abolition. Additionally, there were concomitant increases in the number of ambulatory emergency contacts and to a lesser extent in the number of patients with apparent 'doctor shopping'. CONCLUSIONS The abolition of copayment in Germany was associated with a substantial decrease in GP coordination of specialist care. This suggests that the copayment was a partly effective tool to support coordinated care. Future studies are required to investigate how the gatekeeping function of GPs in Germany can best be strengthened while minimising the associated administrative overhead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Olm
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Ewan Donnachie
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Tauscher
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Gerlach
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Linde
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Werner Maier
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lars Schwettmann
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Economics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle an der Saale, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
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Hansen H, Schäfer I, Porzelt S, Kazek A, Lühmann D, Scherer M. Regional and patient-related factors influencing the willingness to use general practitioners as coordinators of the treatment in northern Germany - results of a cross-sectional observational study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:110. [PMID: 32552721 PMCID: PMC7302141 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01180-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background In most countries, the general practitioner (GP) is the first point of contact in the healthcare system and coordinator of healthcare. However, in Germany it is possible to consult an outpatient specialist even without referral. Coordination by a GP might thus reduce health expenditures and inequalities in the healthcare system. The study describes the patients’ willingness/commitment to use the GP as coordinator of healthcare and identifies regional and patient-related factors associated with the aforementioned commitment to the GP. Methods Cross-sectional observational study using a standardised telephone patient survey in northern Germany. All counties and independent cities within a radius of 120 km around Hamburg were divided into three regional categories (urban areas, environs, rural areas) and stratified proportionally to the population size. Patients who had consulted the GP within the previous three months, and had been patients of the practice for at least three years were randomly selected from medical records of primary care practices in these districts and recruited for the study. Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for random effects at the level of federal states, administrative districts and practices were used as statistical analysis methods. Results Eight hundred eleven patients (25.1%) from 186 practices and 34 administrative districts were interviewed. The patient commitment to a GP attained an average of 20 out of 24 possible points. Significant differences were found by sex (male vs. female: + 1.14 points, p < 0.001), morbidity (+ 0.10 per disease, p = 0.043), education (high vs. low: − 1.74, p < 0.001), logarithmised household net adjusted disposable income (− 0.93 per step on the logarithmic scale, p = 0.004), regional category (urban areas: − 0.85, p = 0.022; environs: − 0.80, p = 0.045) and healthcare utilisation (each GP contact: + 0.30, p < 0.001; each contact to a medical specialist: − 0.75, p = 0.018). Professional situation and age were not significantly associated with the GP commitment. Conclusion On average, the patients’ commitment to their GP was relatively strong, but there were large differences between patient groups. An increase in the patient commitment to the GP could be achieved through better patient information and targeted interventions, e.g. to women or patients from regions of higher urban density. Trial registration The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02558322).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Hansen
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, 52 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ingmar Schäfer
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, 52 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Porzelt
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, 52 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Agata Kazek
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, 52 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Lühmann
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, 52 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, 52 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Strumann C, Emcke T, Flägel K, Steinhäuser J. [Regional differences between general practitioners and general internal medicine physicians in primary care]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2020; 150-152:88-95. [PMID: 32115385 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In many places in Germany, the need for primary care physicians has been steadily increasing for several years, especially in rural areas. It is hypothesized that physicians are more likely to practice in rural areas if they have received a broad education and vocational training. Differences between general practitioners (GPs) and physicians in general internal medicine (GIM) in the breadth of their vocational training are created by the underlying distinct training schemes. The aim of the analysis was to test whether GPs and GIM physicians differ in their distribution between urban and rural regions of Schleswig-Holstein and whether there are differences in the rate and frequency of performing home visits. METHODS Based on invoicing data of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein (Northern Germany) covering the years 2015 up to the third quarter (Q3) of 2018, we analysed differences between GPs and GIM physicians in their regional distribution. Furthermore, we looked at differences between both specialties regarding the application rate and the number of home visits performed and unforeseen physician visits. In addition to bivariate approaches, we also used multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Between 2017 (Q4) and 2018 (Q3), 1,378 GPs and 585 GIM physicians provided medical services in Schleswig-Holstein. While 27.5 % of the GPs had practices in rural areas, the share of GIM physicians was 14.5 % (p < 0.001). Home visits were performed by 97.8 % of the GPs and 93.2 % of the GIM physicians (p < 0.001). This difference was even more pronounced in rural areas (99.5 % vs. 94.1 % (p = 0.002)). Significant differences have also been found in the number of billed home visits. GPs made 36 % more home visits than GIM physicians. In rural areas, the difference was 60 %. CONCLUSION The analysis revealed significant differences between GPs and GIM physicians regarding the type of region where they work, the application rate and the number of performed home visits. The findings could foster a discussion about how GIM physicians can be better prepared to provide primary care, especially in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Strumann
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Lübeck, Deutschland.
| | - Timo Emcke
- Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Schleswig-Holstein, Bad Segeberg, Deutschland
| | - Kristina Flägel
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Lübeck, Deutschland
| | - Jost Steinhäuser
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Lübeck, Deutschland
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Schäfer I, Hansen H, Ruppel T, Lühmann D, Wagner HO, Kazek A, Scherer M. Regional differences in reasons for consultation and general practitioners' spectrum of services in northern Germany - results of a cross-sectional observational study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:22. [PMID: 32005159 PMCID: PMC6995090 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-1093-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Among other factors, the patients’ consultation reasons and GPs’ spectrum of services determine the process and outcome of the medical treatment. So far, however, there has been little information on differences in reasons for consultation and GPs’ services between urban and rural areas. Our study’s goal was thus to investigate these factors in relation to the regional location of GPs’ practices. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study based on standardised GP interviews in a quota sampling design. All counties and independent cities within a radius of 120 km around Hamburg were divided into three regional categories (urban area, environs, rural area) and stratified proportionally to the population size. Differences in the number of reasons for consultation and services were analysed by multivariate linear regressions in mixed models adjusted for random effects on the levels of the German federal states and administrative districts. Differences in individual consultation reasons and services were identified by logistic regression via stepwise forward and backward selection. Results Primary care practices in 34 of the 37 selected administrative districts (91.9%) were represented in the dataset. In total, 211 GPs were personally interviewed. On average, GPs saw 344 patients per month with a slightly higher number of patients in rural areas. They reported 59.1 ± 15.4 different reasons for consultation and 30.3 ± 3.9 different services. There was no statistically significant regional variation in the number of different consultation reasons, but there was a broader service spectrum by rural GPs (ß = − 1.42; 95% confidence interval − 2.75/− 0.08; p = 0.038) which was statistically explained by a higher level of medical training. Additionally, there were differences in the frequency of individual consultation reasons and services between rural and urban areas. Conclusion GPs in rural areas performed more frequently services usually provided by medical specialists in urban areas. This might be caused by a low availability of specialists in rural areas. The association between medical training and service spectrum might imply that GPs compensate the specific needs of their patients by completing advanced medical training before or after setting up a medical practice. Trial registration The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02558322).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Schäfer
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heike Hansen
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Ruppel
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Lühmann
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Otto Wagner
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Agata Kazek
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Ibáñez L, Sabaté M, Vidal X, Ballarin E, Rottenkolber M, Schmiedl S, Heeke A, Huerta C, Martin Merino E, Montero D, Leon-Muñoz LM, Gasse C, Moore N, Droz C, Lassalle R, Aakjaer M, Andersen M, De Bruin ML, Groenwold R, van den Ham HA, Souverein P, Klungel O, Gardarsdottir H. Incidence of direct oral anticoagulant use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and characteristics of users in 6 European countries (2008-2015): A cross-national drug utilization study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:2524-2539. [PMID: 31318059 PMCID: PMC6848911 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To estimate the incidence of direct oral anticoagulant drug (DOAC) use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and to describe user and treatment characteristics in 8 European healthcare databases representing 6 European countries. Methods Longitudinal drug utilization study from January 2008 to December 2015. A common protocol approach was applied. Annual period incidences and direct standardisation by age and sex were performed. Dose adjustment related to change in age and by renal function as well as concomitant use of potentially interacting drugs were assessed. Results A total of 186 405 new DOAC users (age ≥18 years) were identified. Standardized incidences varied from 1.93–2.60 and 0.11–8.71 users/10 000 (2011–2015) for dabigatran and rivaroxaban, respectively, and from 0.01–8.12 users/10 000 (2012–2015) for apixaban. In 2015, the DOAC incidence ranged from 9 to 28/10 000 inhabitants in SIDIAP (Spain) and DNR (Denmark) respectively. There were differences in population coverage among the databases. Only 1 database includes the total reference population (DNR) while others are considered a population representative sample (CPRD, BIFAP, SIDIAP, EGB, Mondriaan). They also varied in the type of drug data source (administrative, clinical). Dose adjustment ranged from 4.6% in BIFAP (Spain) to 15.6% in EGB (France). Concomitant use of interacting drugs varied between 16.4% (SIDIAP) and 70.5% (EGB). Cardiovascular comorbidities ranged from 25.4% in Mondriaan (The Netherlands) to 82.9% in AOK Nordwest (Germany). Conclusion Overall, apixaban and rivaroxaban increased its use during the study period while dabigatran decreased. There was variability in patient characteristics such as comorbidities, potentially interacting drugs and dose adjustment. (EMA/2015/27/PH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Ibáñez
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Sabaté
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Vidal
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Ballarin
- Fundació Institut Català de Farmacologia (FICF), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marietta Rottenkolber
- Diabetes Research Group, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Schmiedl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.,Philipp Klee-Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Consuelo Huerta
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Martin Merino
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Montero
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luz María Leon-Muñoz
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance Division, Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nicholas Moore
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC1401, Université de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Droz
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC1401, Université de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Régis Lassalle
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, INSERM CIC1401, Université de Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mia Aakjaer
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Louise De Bruin
- Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science (CORS), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rolf Groenwold
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrika A van den Ham
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiteit Utrecht, David de Wiedgebouw, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Souverein
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiteit Utrecht, David de Wiedgebouw, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiteit Utrecht, David de Wiedgebouw, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Gardarsdottir
- Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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12
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Gerhardt H, Heinzel-Gutenbrunner M, Bachmann CJ. Differences in healthcare costs in youths with conduct disorders in rural vs. urban regions: an analysis of German health insurance data. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:714. [PMID: 30217151 PMCID: PMC6137893 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3520-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For children and adolescents with mental health problems, there is a lack of data as to whether the type of residential area (urban vs. rural) influences healthcare costs for affected individuals. The aim of this study was therefore to explore potential urban vs. rural healthcare cost differences in children and adolescents with conduct disorder (CD), one of the most frequent and cost-intensive child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Additionally, we aimed to compare healthcare costs of youths with CD, and of youths without this diagnosis. Methods We analysed data from a German health insurance company, extracting all youths with a CD diagnosis in 2011 (CD group; N = 6337), and an age- and sex-matched group without this diagnosis (control group). For both groups, annual costs per person for outpatient and inpatient healthcare were aggregated, stratified by area of residence (urban vs. rural). Results While mean annual overall costs in the CD group did not differ significantly between urban and rural areas of residence (2785 EUR vs. 3557 EUR, p = 0.253), inpatient treatment costs were significantly higher in rural areas (2166 EUR (60.9% of overall costs) vs. 1199 EUR (43.1% of overall costs), p < 0.0005). For outpatient healthcare costs, the reverse effect was found, with significantly higher costs in individuals from urban areas of residence (901 EUR (32.3% of overall costs) vs. 581 EUR (16.3% of overall costs), p < 0.0005). In the control group, no significant rural vs. urban difference was found for either overall health costs, inpatient or outpatient costs. Mean overall costs in the CD group were four times higher than in the control group (3162 (±5934) EUR vs. 795 (±4425) EUR). Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate urban vs. rural differences in healthcare costs among youths with CD. The higher costs of inpatient treatment in rural regions may indicate a need for alternative forms of service provision and delivery in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Gerhardt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Sachs-Str. 4-6, DE-35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Monika Heinzel-Gutenbrunner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Sachs-Str. 4-6, DE-35039, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian J Bachmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Sachs-Str. 4-6, DE-35039, Marburg, Germany. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf/ Kliniken der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Bergische Landstraße 2, DE-40629, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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