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Intensive behavioural interventions based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for young children with autism: A cost-effectiveness analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270833. [PMID: 35972929 PMCID: PMC9380934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The economic and social costs of autism are significant. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of early intensive Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-based interventions for autistic pre-school children in the UK. Methods A de novo economic analysis was developed in Microsoft Excel comparing early intensive ABA-based interventions compared with treatment as usual (TAU). The analysis used 15.5-year time horizon, with costs and benefits discounted a 3.5%. The model structure was based on cohort structure to capture changes in adaptive behaviour and cognitive ability over time. The analysis was informed by an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of available evidence. Results Adopting a public sector perspective, early intensive ABA-based therapies were associated with greater incremental costs and greater benefits. When pessimistic assumptions were made regarding the long-term effects of treatment incremental costs were £46,103 and incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were 0.24, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £189,122 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). When optimistic assumptions were made about long-term effects, incremental costs were £39,233 with incremental benefits of 0.84 QALYs. The resulting ICER was £46,768 per QALY. Scenario analyses emphasised the importance of assumptions made regarding adult outcomes and type of school attended, both of which significantly affect the results of the analysis. Conclusions The results of this economic analysis suggest that early intensive ABA-based interventions are unlikely to represent value for money, based on a £20,000 to £30,000 per QALY threshold typically adopted to inform UK healthcare funding decisions. However, important gaps in the available evidence, limit the strength of the conclusions that can be drawn from the presented analysis. Further research, focusing on the trajectory of autistic children following intervention is likely to be highly beneficial to resolving some of these uncertainties.
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Matin BK, Byford S, Soltani S, Kazemi-Karyani A, Atafar Z, Zereshki E, Soofi M, Rezaei S, Rakhshan ST, Jahangiri P. Contributing factors to healthcare costs in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:604. [PMID: 35524328 PMCID: PMC9074281 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to use healthcare than their counterparts without disabilities, which imposes high medical costs to families and health systems. This study aimed to investigate healthcare costs and its determinants among individuals with ASD. METHODS In this systematic review, we searched online databases (Web of Science, Medline through PubMed and Scopus) for observational and experimental studies that included data on service use and costs associated with ASD and published between January 2000 and May 2021. Exclusion criteria included non-English language articles, duplicates, abstracts, qualitative studies, gray literature, and non-original papers (e.g., letters to editors, editorials, reviews, etc.). RESULTS Our searches yielded 4015 articles screened according to PRISMA guidelines. Of 4015 studies identified, 37 articles from 10 countries were eligible for final inclusion. Therapeutic interventions, outpatient visits and medications constituted the largest proportion of direct medical expenditure on individuals with ASD. Included studies suggest lack of health insurance, having associated morbidities, more severe symptoms, younger age groups and lower socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with higher medical expenditure in individuals with ASD. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review identified a range of factors, including lower SES and lack of health insurance, which are associated with higher healthcare costs in people with ASD. Our study supports the formulation of policy options to reduce financial risks in families of individuals with ASD in countries which do not have a tax-based or universal health coverage system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Karami Matin
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Shahin Soltani
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Ali Kazemi-Karyani
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zahra Atafar
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ehsan Zereshki
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Moslem Soofi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Satar Rezaei
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shiva Tolouei Rakhshan
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Parvin Jahangiri
- Behavioral Disease Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Abstract
The rural areas have been at the receiving end amidst mental health disparity across the USA. There is a serious and concerning divide among ones with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) living in underserved areas as compared to urban residents. With the higher than ever prevalence of ASD as per the recent reports of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; there is a need for a closer look at the prevailing issues. The trends are reflecting marked underdiagnosis, late diagnosis, lack of evidence-based diagnostic measures and interventions. These factors interplay in worsening the mental health crisis and there is an urgent need for corrective measures to address these highly modifiable problems.
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Bürki L, Höfer J, Kamp-Becker I, Poustka L, Roessner V, Stroth S, Wolff N, Hoffmann F, Bachmann C. Special educational support in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Germany: Results from a parent survey. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 112:103931. [PMID: 33690110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often receive special educational support (SES). This study aimed to evaluate SES prevalence in children and adolescents with ASD in Germany. METHODS A mail survey was distributed to the caregivers of 637 children and adolescents recruited at three German ASD outpatient clinics. RESULTS Among the 211 respondents (response: 33.1 %), 82.5 % were provided with a special educational needs statement, and 63.9 % received special education, most of them attending a public special school (57.9 %). The most frequently indicated additional support was a classroom assistant (69.0 %), followed by smaller learning groups (31.7 %). Special education was less frequently provided to individuals with Asperger syndrome than to those with childhood or atypical autism (36.0 %, 76.1 %, and 63.4 %, respectively). Using logistic regression analysis, receiving special education was significantly associated with lower IQ (<85) (Odds Ratio (OR): 8.72; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 3.41-22.32) and younger age (≤11 years, OR: 2.87; 95 % CI: 1.11-7.38), but not with ASD symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS The majority of children and adolescents with ASD received SES, indicating a satisfactory supply of such services in Germany. The finding that lower IQ but not ASD symptom severity predicted access to SES raises questions about the specificity of the used selection criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Bürki
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Juliana Höfer
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Sachs-Str. 4, 35039 Marburg, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sanna Stroth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Sachs-Str. 4, 35039 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Wolff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Christian Bachmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 5, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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Luckhardt C, Schütz M, Mühlherr A, Mössinger H, Boxhoorn S, Dempfle A, Salvador R, Ruffini G, Pereira HC, Castelo-Branco M, Latinus M, Bonnet-Brilhault F, Siemann J, Siniatchkin M, Ecker C, Freitag CM. Phase-IIa randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel group trial on anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left and right tempo-parietal junction in autism spectrum disorder-StimAT: study protocol for a clinical trial. Trials 2021; 22:248. [PMID: 33823927 PMCID: PMC8025356 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05172-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and interaction, and stereotyped, repetitive behaviour and sensory interests. To date, there is no effective medication that can improve social communication and interaction in ASD, and effect sizes of behaviour-based psychotherapy remain in the low to medium range. Consequently, there is a clear need for new treatment options. ASD is associated with altered activation and connectivity patterns in brain areas which process social information. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that applies a weak electrical current to the brain in order to modulate neural excitability and alter connectivity. Combined with specific cognitive tasks, it allows to facilitate and consolidate the respective training effects. Therefore, application of tDCS in brain areas relevant to social cognition in combination with a specific cognitive training is a promising treatment approach for ASD. Methods A phase-IIa pilot randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group clinical study is presented, which aims at investigating if 10 days of 20-min multi-channel tDCS stimulation of the bilateral tempo-parietal junction (TPJ) at 2.0 mA in combination with a computer-based cognitive training on perspective taking, intention and emotion understanding, can improve social cognitive abilities in children and adolescents with ASD. The main objectives are to describe the change in parent-rated social responsiveness from baseline (within 1 week before first stimulation) to post-intervention (within 7 days after last stimulation) and to monitor safety and tolerability of the intervention. Secondary objectives include the evaluation of change in parent-rated social responsiveness at follow-up (4 weeks after end of intervention), change in other ASD core symptoms and psychopathology, social cognitive abilities and neural functioning post-intervention and at follow-up in order to explore underlying neural and cognitive mechanisms. Discussion If shown, positive results regarding change in parent-rated social cognition and favourable safety and tolerability of the intervention will confirm tDCS as a promising treatment for ASD core-symptoms. This may be a first step in establishing a new and cost-efficient intervention for individuals with ASD. Trial registration The trial is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00014732. Registered on 15 August 2018. Protocol version This study protocol refers to protocol version 1.2 from 24 May 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05172-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Luckhardt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Schütz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Mühlherr
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hannah Mössinger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sara Boxhoorn
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Astrid Dempfle
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics (IMIS), Kiel University, Brunswiker Str. 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ricardo Salvador
- Neuroelectrics SLU, Av. Tibidabo 47 Bis, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giulio Ruffini
- Neuroelectrics SLU, Av. Tibidabo 47 Bis, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena C Pereira
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Clinical Centre, University of Coimbra (UC), Paco das Escolas, 3001 451, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Clinical Centre, University of Coimbra (UC), Paco das Escolas, 3001 451, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marianne Latinus
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Centre de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours Cedex 9, France
| | - Frédérique Bonnet-Brilhault
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Centre de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours Cedex 9, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours (CHUT), Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, UMR930 INSERM / Equipe autism, CHRU Tours / Hôpital Bretonneau, 2 Bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours Cedex 9, France
| | - Julia Siemann
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, EvKB, Remterweg 13a, 33617, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Siniatchkin
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital Bethel, EvKB, Remterweg 13a, 33617, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Deutschordenstr.50, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
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Wilson ECF, Wastlund D, Moraitis AA, Smith GCS. Late Pregnancy Ultrasound to Screen for and Manage Potential Birth Complications in Nulliparous Women: A Cost-Effectiveness and Value of Information Analysis. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 24:513-521. [PMID: 33840429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction is a major risk factor for stillbirth. A routine late-pregnancy ultrasound scan could help detect this, allowing intervention to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Such a scan could also detect fetal presentation and predict macrosomia. A trial powered to detect stillbirth differences would be extremely large and expensive. OBJECTIVES It is therefore critical to know whether this would be a good investment of public research funds. The aim of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of various late-pregnancy screening and management strategies based on current information and predict the return on investment from further research. METHODS Synthesis of current evidence structured into a decision model reporting expected costs, quality-adjusted life-years, and net benefit over 20 years and value-of-information analysis reporting predicted return on investment from future clinical trials. RESULTS Given a willingness to pay of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, the most cost-effective strategy is a routine presentation-only scan for all women. Universal ultrasound screening for fetal size is unlikely to be cost-effective. Research exploring the cost implications of induction of labor has the greatest predicted return on investment. A randomized, controlled trial with an endpoint of stillbirth is extremely unlikely to be a value for money investment. CONCLUSION Given current value-for-money thresholds in the United Kingdom, the most cost-effective strategy is to offer all pregnant women a presentation-only scan in late pregnancy. A randomized, controlled trial of screening and intervention to reduce the risk of stillbirth following universal ultrasound to detect macrosomia or fetal growth restriction is unlikely to represent a value for money investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C F Wilson
- Health Economics Group, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK; The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David Wastlund
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Parexel Access Consulting, Parexel International, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandros A Moraitis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
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The Economic Costs of Childhood Disability: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073531. [PMID: 33805375 PMCID: PMC8036354 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This literature review investigates the economic costs of childhood disability analysing methodologies used and summarizing the burden worldwide comparing developed and developing countries. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched. Studies were categorised according to country, perspective, methods of costing, disability category, and time horizon. Annual costs were converted to 2019 current US dollars then compared to the country's per capita current health expenditure (CHE) and gross domestic product (GDP). RESULTS Of 2468 references identified, 20 were included in the review. Annual burden of childhood disability ranged ≈$450-69,500 worldwide. Childhood disability imposes a heavy economic burden on families, health systems, and societies. The reason for the wide range of costs is the variability in perspective, costs included, methods, and disability type. CONCLUSION The annual societal costs for one disabled child could be up to the country's GDP per capita. The burden is heavier on households in developing countries as most of the costs are paid out-of-pocket leading to impoverishment of the whole family. Efforts should be directed to avoid preventable childhood disabilities and to support disabled children and their households to make them more independent and increase their productivity. More studies from developing countries are needed.
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Health Services Use and Costs in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Germany: Results from a Survey in ASD Outpatient Clinics. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:540-552. [PMID: 33728496 PMCID: PMC8813793 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04955-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with high services use, but European data on costs are scarce. Utilisation and annual costs of 385 individuals with ASD (aged 4–67 years; 18.2% females; 37.4% IQ < 85) from German outpatient clinics were assessed. Average annual costs per person were 3287 EUR, with psychiatric inpatient care (19.8%), pharmacotherapy (11.1%), and occupational therapy (11.1%) being the largest cost components. Females incurred higher costs than males (4864 EUR vs. 2936 EUR). In a regression model, female sex (Cost Ratio: 1.65), lower IQ (1.90), and Asperger syndrome (1.54) were associated with higher costs. In conclusion, ASD-related health costs are comparable to those of schizophrenia, thus underlining its public health relevance. Higher costs in females demand further research.
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Bieleninik Ł, Gold C. Estimating Components and Costs of Standard Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Europe from a Large International Sample. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030340. [PMID: 33800056 PMCID: PMC7999124 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: European guidelines provide recommendations for services and care for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not all interventions are generally available. Knowledge of service use and costs and wider societal costs in Europe is limited; (2) Method: Using an international sample, we analysed services and costs in 357 children (4-6.99 years) with ASD based on parent reports. Costs were transformed into EU-28 average using purchasing power parity; (3) Results: 122 children (34%) received specialist autism services; 149 (42%) received sensory/motor therapy; 205 (57%) received speech/language therapy; 35 (10%) received play therapy; 55 (15%) received behavioural interventions; 31 (9%) received social skills training; 47 (13%) participated in therapeutic recreational activities; and 59 (17%) received other services. The total number of hours for these services combined over two months was M = 34 (SD = 63; range: 0 -372). Estimated total costs of health-related services were M = 1210 EUR (SD = 2160 EUR); indirect societal costs were M = 1624 EUR (SD = 1317 EUR). Regression analyses suggested that costs rise with age and presence of intellectual disabilities, but not with severity of autism; (4) Conclusions: The high extent of community-based services indicates good accessibility but also considerable variation in the receipt of services. The costs of autism services are considerable. Further research is needed to investigate whether services received match individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łucja Bieleninik
- GAMUT—The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, 5838 Bergen, Norway; or
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: or
| | - Christian Gold
- GAMUT—The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, 5838 Bergen, Norway; or
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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Smith GC, Moraitis AA, Wastlund D, Thornton JG, Papageorghiou A, Sanders J, Heazell AE, Robson SC, Sovio U, Brocklehurst P, Wilson EC. Universal late pregnancy ultrasound screening to predict adverse outcomes in nulliparous women: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-190. [PMID: 33656977 PMCID: PMC7958245 DOI: 10.3310/hta25150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, pregnant women are screened using ultrasound to perform gestational aging, typically at around 12 weeks' gestation, and around the middle of pregnancy. Ultrasound scans thereafter are performed for clinical indications only. OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the case for offering universal late pregnancy ultrasound to all nulliparous women in the UK. The main questions addressed were the diagnostic effectiveness of universal late pregnancy ultrasound to predict adverse outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of either implementing universal ultrasound or conducting further research in this area. DESIGN We performed diagnostic test accuracy reviews of five ultrasonic measurements in late pregnancy. We conducted cost-effectiveness and value-of-information analyses of screening for fetal presentation, screening for small for gestational age fetuses and screening for large for gestational age fetuses. Finally, we conducted a survey and a focus group to determine the willingness of women to participate in a future randomised controlled trial. DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2019. REVIEW METHODS The protocol for the review was designed a priori and registered. Eligible studies were identified using keywords, with no restrictions for language or location. The risk of bias in studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Health economic modelling employed a decision tree analysed via Monte Carlo simulation. Health outcomes were from the fetal perspective and presented as quality-adjusted life-years. Costs were from the perspective of the public sector, defined as NHS England, and the costs of special educational needs. All costs and quality-adjusted life-years were discounted by 3.5% per annum and the reference case time horizon was 20 years. RESULTS Umbilical artery Doppler flow velocimetry, cerebroplacental ratio, severe oligohydramnios and borderline oligohydramnios were all either non-predictive or weakly predictive of the risk of neonatal morbidity (summary positive likelihood ratios between 1 and 2) and were all weakly predictive of the risk of delivering a small for gestational age infant (summary positive likelihood ratios between 2 and 4). Suspicion of fetal macrosomia is strongly predictive of the risk of delivering a large infant, but it is only weakly, albeit statistically significantly, predictive of the risk of shoulder dystocia. Very few studies blinded the result of the ultrasound scan and most studies were rated as being at a high risk of bias as a result of treatment paradox, ascertainment bias or iatrogenic harm. Health economic analysis indicated that universal ultrasound for fetal presentation only may be both clinically and economically justified on the basis of existing evidence. Universal ultrasound including fetal biometry was of borderline cost-effectiveness and was sensitive to assumptions. Value-of-information analysis indicated that the parameter that had the largest impact on decision uncertainty was the net difference in cost between an induced delivery and expectant management. LIMITATIONS The primary literature on the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound in late pregnancy is weak. Value-of-information analysis may have underestimated the uncertainty in the literature as it was focused on the internal validity of parameters, which is quantified, whereas the greatest uncertainty may be in the external validity to the research question, which is unquantified. CONCLUSIONS Universal screening for presentation at term may be justified on the basis of current knowledge. The current literature does not support universal ultrasonic screening for fetal growth disorders. FUTURE WORK We describe proof-of-principle randomised controlled trials that could better inform the case for screening using ultrasound in late pregnancy. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017064093. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 15. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Cs Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexandros A Moraitis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Wastlund
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jim G Thornton
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Aris Papageorghiou
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia Sanders
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alexander Ep Heazell
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen C Robson
- Reproductive and Vascular Biology Group, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ulla Sovio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Brocklehurst
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Edward Cf Wilson
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Health Economics Group, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Samadi H, Samadi SA. Understanding Different Aspects of Caregiving for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) a Narrative Review of the Literature. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E557. [PMID: 32824109 PMCID: PMC7463436 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a considerable endeavor to understand associated challenges of caregiving for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and to develop the necessary skills and approaches to assist parents of children with ASD. Different studies have been stressed the importance and need for parental involvement in the intervention process to increase positive impacts. METHODS The process of caregiving and the associated challenges should be understood from different aspects to be able to facilitate parent involvement in intervention implementation. In a narrative literature review, ten selected reviews were considered and each review considered a special aspect of caregiving for an individual with ASD. RESULTS Five main different factors in the available literature and reviews were considered as different themes that needed to be reconsidered in the studies on the impacts of caregiving for an individual with ASD. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that to facilitate parental involvement in the intervention process, and to support caregivers of this group of individuals this review highlights the need for improved research in some proposed areas in this field and to bridge the gap between research and practice in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Samadi
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Law, Theology and Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran
| | - Sayyed Ali Samadi
- Institute of Nursing Research, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland, UK;
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Rodgers M, Marshall D, Simmonds M, Le Couteur A, Biswas M, Wright K, Rai D, Palmer S, Stewart L, Hodgson R. Interventions based on early intensive applied behaviour analysis for autistic children: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-306. [PMID: 32686642 PMCID: PMC7397479 DOI: 10.3310/hta24350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions are intensive interventions for autistic children that are often delivered on a one-to-one basis for 20-50 hours per week. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions for autistic children, based on current evidence. METHODS A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based intervention for autistic children. An economic analysis included a review of existing analyses and the development of a new model. RESULTS Twenty studies were included in the clinical review. Individual participant data were retrieved from 15 of these studies. Results favoured the interventions when assessing adaptive behaviour after 2 years compared with treatment as usual/eclectic interventions (mean difference 7.00, 95% confidence interval 1.95 to 12.06). In analyses of cognitive ability (intelligence quotient), results favoured the interventions by approximately 10 points after 1 year (mean difference 9.16, 95% confidence interval 4.38 to 13.93) and 2 years (mean difference 14.13, 95% confidence interval 9.16 to 19.10). Evidence for other outcomes was limited and meta-analyses were generally inconclusive. There was no evidence that the effect of the interventions varied with characteristics of the children, but data were limited. Adopting a £30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year threshold, the results of the cost-effectiveness analysis indicate that early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions would need to generate larger benefits or cost savings to be cost-effective. Adopting a public sector perspective and making pessimistic assumptions about long-term effects, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based therapy compared with treatment as usual is £189,122 per quality-adjusted life-year. When optimistic assumptions are made, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is £46,768 per quality-adjusted life-year. Scenario analyses indicated that these interventions can potentially be cost-effective if long-term improvements persist into adulthood, or if they have significant impact on educational placement. Care should be taken when interpreting these scenarios owing to the limited data. LIMITATIONS All included studies were at risk of bias, there was substantial heterogeneity and effects varied considerably across studies. The effect of intervention on autism symptom severity, language development and school placement remains uncertain because of the limited data. The long-term effects are unclear owing to a lack of follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS This review found limited evidence that early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions may improve cognitive ability and adaptive behaviour, but the long-term impact of the interventions remains unknown. The economic analysis is constrained by the limited effectiveness evidence, but suggests that these interventions are unlikely to be cost-effective unless clear long-term benefits, or a substantial change in which schools children attend, can be identified. FUTURE WORK Further studies into the effectiveness of early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions may be warranted if they include well-defined, alternative interventions as comparators and collect relevant outcomes. Consideration should be given to future studies that not only address whether or not early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions are clinically effective, but also aim to identify which components of early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions might drive effectiveness. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017068303. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 35. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rodgers
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - David Marshall
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Simmonds
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mousumi Biswas
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kath Wright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stephen Palmer
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lesley Stewart
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Robert Hodgson
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
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13
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A framework for an evidence-based gene list relevant to autism spectrum disorder. Nat Rev Genet 2020; 21:367-376. [PMID: 32317787 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-0231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often grouped with other brain-related phenotypes into a broader category of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In clinical practice, providers need to decide which genes to test in individuals with ASD phenotypes, which requires an understanding of the level of evidence for individual NDD genes that supports an association with ASD. Consensus is currently lacking about which NDD genes have sufficient evidence to support a relationship to ASD. Estimates of the number of genes relevant to ASD differ greatly among research groups and clinical sequencing panels, varying from a few to several hundred. This Roadmap discusses important considerations necessary to provide an evidence-based framework for the curation of NDD genes based on the level of information supporting a clinically relevant relationship between a given gene and ASD.
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Laverty C, Oliver C, Moss J, Nelson L, Richards C. Persistence and predictors of self-injurious behaviour in autism: a ten-year prospective cohort study. Mol Autism 2020; 11:8. [PMID: 31988707 PMCID: PMC6971887 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-injurious behaviours, such as head banging, hair pulling, skin picking and scratching, are common in individuals with autism. Despite high prevalence rates, there is a paucity of longitudinal research to refine models of risk and mechanism and inform service planning. In this longitudinal study, we investigated self-injury in a cohort of individuals with autism over 10 years to identify behavioural and demographic characteristics associated with persistent self-injury. Methods Carers of 67 individuals with autism completed questionnaires relating to the presence of self-injury and relevant risk markers at T1 (mean [SD] age in years 13.4 [7.7]) and T3 (mean [SD] age in years 23.9 [7.7]) 10 years later. Forty-six of these also took part at T2 (3 years after initial participation). Analysis assessed demographic and behavioural risk markers for self-injury, as well as the predictive value of items assessed at T1and T2. Results Self-injury was persistent in 44% of individuals over the 10-year period, with behavioural characteristics of impulsivity (p < .001) and overactivity (p = .002), identified as risk markers for persistence. A predictive model of self-injury was derived from LASSO analysis, with baseline impulsivity, interest and pleasure, stereotyped behaviour, social communication and adaptive functioning predicting self-injury over 10 years. Conclusions In this unique longitudinal investigation into the persistence of self-injury in a non-clinical sample of individuals with autism over a 10 year period, we have identified a novel, robust and stable profile of behavioural characteristics associated with persistent self-injury. Findings support an early intervention strategy targeted towards individuals identified to be at a higher risk of developing self-injurious behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Laverty
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Chris Oliver
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Jo Moss
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH UK
| | - Lisa Nelson
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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Rubenstein E, Croen L, Lee LC, Moody E, Schieve LA, Soke GN, Thomas K, Wiggins L, Daniels J. Community-based service use in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and associations with insurance status. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2019; 66:101410. [PMID: 32831903 PMCID: PMC7430759 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ASD-related services can improve outcomes for children, but less is known about service outside of school settings during preschool age. We aimed to describe amount and category of community-based service use among 3-5-year-old children with ASD and examine differences by health insurance. METHODS We used cross-sectional data on 792 children with ASD diagnoses in the Study to Explore Early Development, a community-based study of neurodevelopment with enrollment between 2012-2016. Mothers reported current child service use and insurance status at study entry. We used log-Poisson and logistic regression to compare service use by insurance group. RESULTS Nearly 40% of children were not receiving community-based services at study entry. Children with public insurance had fewer total services than children with private or both insurances. After adjustment for sociodemographic confounders, insurance status was not associated with types of different categories of community-based services. However, children with public insurance alone were least likely to receive community-based behavioral therapy and most likely to receive psychotropic medication compared to other insurances. CONCLUSION Many preschool-aged children do not receive community-based services, with receipt associated with insurance type. Increasing access and availability for evidence-based service, especially for beneficiaries of public insurance, may improve service use and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rubenstein
- University of Wisconsin Madison, Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison WI, 53705
| | - Lisa Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
| | - Li-Ching Lee
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 315 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Eric Moody
- Wyoming Institute of Disabilities, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
| | - Laura A. Schieve
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Gnakub N. Soke
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Kathleen Thomas
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7590
| | - Lisa Wiggins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Julie Daniels
- University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, 137 East Franklin Street Room 6702 CB# 8030 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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Abstract
Autism is associated with a range of costs. This paper reviews the literature on estimating the economic costs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More or less 50 papers covering multiple countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, etc.) were analysed. Six types of costs are discussed in depth: (i) medical and healthcare service costs, (ii) therapeutic costs, (iii) (special) education costs, (iv) costs of production loss for adults with ASD, (v) costs of informal care and lost productivity for family/caregivers, and (vi) costs of accommodation, respite care, and out-of-pocket expenses. A general finding is that individuals with ASD and families with children with ASD have higher costs. Education costs appear to be a major cost component for parents with children with ASD.
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17
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Lee JY, Yun J. What Else Is Needed in the Korean Government's Master Plan for People With Developmental Disabilities? J Prev Med Public Health 2019; 52:200-204. [PMID: 31163956 PMCID: PMC6549009 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.18.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
On September 12, 2018, President Jae-In Moon announced the Comprehensive Plan for Lifelong Care for People with Developmental Disabilities, with representatives from the associated government branches (Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Employment and Labor) in attendance. The goals of this plan are to provide health, medical, rehabilitative, special education, and social welfare services according to the life-stages of the affected individuals; to reduce parental pressure; to promote social interventions; and to enhance community-level participation in order to create a ‘welfare society in harmony.’ However, in order for the plan to succeed, additional efforts must be made in the following areas. First, an epidemiological survey is needed to understand the scale, prevalence, and incidence of developmental disabilities and to establish an evidence base to support policy development. Second, accurate definitions of developmental disabilities must be established in order to avoid policy discrimination based on impairment type and age. Third, personal evaluations to assess disabled individuals’ unmet needs and customized service designs to deliver those needs are required. Fourth, the plan must fulfill the goals of accessibility and fairness that the government intends to provide. Fifth, the government should consider an integrated financial support system and to propose a detailed plan for monetary distributions. Finally, an integrated system that links health, medical, employment, educational, and welfare services must be constructed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yong Lee
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University (SMG-SNU) Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jieun Yun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Korea
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18
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The Role of Choice and Control in the Impact of Autism Waiver Services on Family Quality of Life and Child Progress. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2035-2048. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03886-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Righi G, Benevides J, Mazefsky C, Siegel M, Sheinkopf SJ, Morrow EM. Predictors of Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3647-3657. [PMID: 28536960 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with significant healthcare expenditures and a greater utilization of psychiatric health services. High utilization may not be evenly distributed across individuals with ASD. The objective of this study was to identify individual and family characteristics that increase the risk of psychiatric hospitalization. Naturalistic study of two age- and gender-matched ASD cohorts, inpatients enrolled in the Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) and outpatients enrolled in the Rhode Island Consortium of Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART), revealed a number of factors associated with hospitalization. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that adaptive functioning, ASD symptom severity, primary caregiver's marital status, the presence of mood disorders, and the presence of sleep problems independently increased the risk of psychiatric hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Righi
- Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 700 Butler Dr, Providence, RI, 02906, USA. .,Division of Biology and Medicine, Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART), and the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute (HCHII), Brown University, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA.
| | - Jill Benevides
- Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA
| | - Carla Mazefsky
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Matthew Siegel
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Spring Harbor Hospital, Tufts University School of Medicine, 123 Andover Road, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Stephen J Sheinkopf
- Women and Infant's Hospital, 101 Dudley street, Providence, RI, 02905, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 700 Butler Dr, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.,Division of Biology and Medicine, Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART), and the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute (HCHII), Brown University, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA.,Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART), and the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 101 Dudley street, Providence, RI, 02905, USA
| | - Eric M Morrow
- Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 700 Butler Dr, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.,Division of Biology and Medicine, Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART), and the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute (HCHII), Brown University, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA
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Bessey A, Chilcott JB, Leaviss J, Sutton A. Economic impact of screening for X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy within a newborn blood spot screening programme. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:179. [PMID: 30309370 PMCID: PMC6182830 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0921-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A decision tree model was built to estimate the economic impact of introducing screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) into an existing tandem mass spectrometry based newborn screening programme. The model was based upon the UK National Health Service (NHS) Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme and a public service perspective was used with a lifetime horizon. The model structure and parameterisation were based upon literature reviews and expert clinical judgment. Outcomes included health, social care and education costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The model assessed screening of boys only and evaluated the impact of improved outcomes from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with cerebral childhood X-ALD (CCALD). Threshold analyses were used to examine the potential impact of utility decrements for non-CCALD patients identified by screening. RESULTS It is estimated that screening 780,000 newborns annually will identify 18 (95%CI 12, 27) boys with X-ALD, of whom 10 (95% CI 6, 15) will develop CCALD. It is estimated that screening may detect 7 (95% CI 3, 12) children with other peroxisomal disorders who may also have arisen symptomatically. If results for girls are returned an additional 17 (95% CI 12, 25) cases of X-ALD will be identified. The programme is estimated to cost an additional £402,000 (95% CI £399-407,000) with savings in lifetime health, social care and education costs leading to an overall discounted cost saving of £3.04 (95% CI £5.69, £1.19) million per year. Patients with CCALD are estimated to gain 8.5 discounted QALYs each giving an overall programme benefit of 82 (95% CI 43, 139) QALYs. CONCLUSION Including screening of boys for X-ALD into an existing tandem mass spectrometry based newborn screening programme is projected to reduce lifetime costs and improve outcomes for those with CCALD. The potential disbenefit to those identified with non-CCALD conditions would need to be substantial in order to outweigh the benefit to those with CCALD. Further evidence is required on the potential QALY impact of early diagnosis both for non-CCALD X-ALD and other peroxisomal disorders. The favourable economic results are driven by estimated reductions in the social care and education costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bessey
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA UK
| | - James B Chilcott
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA UK
| | - Joanna Leaviss
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA UK
| | - Anthea Sutton
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA UK
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21
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Roddy A, O'Neill C. The economic costs and its predictors for childhood autism spectrum disorders in Ireland: How is the burden distributed? AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 23:1106-1118. [PMID: 30270653 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318801586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are associated with a substantial economic burden; although little is known about the relationship between state and family out-of-pocket expenditure. The objective of this study is to estimate the societal cost of childhood autism spectrum disorders and explain the variation in costs between state and family out-of-pocket expenditure. A bottom-up prevalence based cost-of-illness methodology was implemented using data from a combination of multiple convenience samples in Ireland of 195 parents of 222 children aged between 2 and 18 years of age with a clinically diagnosed autism spectrum disorder collected in 2014/2015. The findings show the average annual cost per child for families amounted to €28,464.89 related to private autism spectrum disorder services, lost income and informal care. By comparison, annual state expenditure per child on autism spectrum disorder-related health, social and educational resources was €14,192. Regression analyses indicate that autism spectrum disorder severity is significantly associated with higher out of pocket expenditures but not state health expenditures. The results suggest that parents are central to meeting the needs of young people with autism spectrum disorders in Ireland. Policy implications of these findings suggest that significant investment and commitment is needed to address the needs of individuals living with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aine Roddy
- 1 National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ciaran O'Neill
- 1 National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.,2 Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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22
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Eskow KG, Summers JA. Family perceptions of the impacts of a home and community based services autism waiver: Making family life possible. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2018; 32:159-171. [PMID: 30151875 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An important mechanism that provides support and services for families with a child/youth with autism spectrum disorder is the home- and community-based services (HCBS) Waiver authorized by Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act or Medicaid. METHODS This study used qualitative research methods to explore parent perspectives about the impact of HCBS Waiver services on the child/youth with autism and their family. In-depth interviews focused on aspects of the programme they valued, identification of barriers and general issues they experienced. RESULTS Results of the qualitative study indicated that improved outcomes could be explained by providers of services who were well-trained, flexible and allowed parents' opportunities for choice regarding provision of services to meet child/youth and family needs. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide guideposts for further research about factors that contribute to satisfaction of families receiving waiver services for quality of life and child progress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Ann Summers
- Research & Training Center on Independent Living, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
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23
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Donley T, King DM, Nyathi N, Okafor A, Mbizo J. Socioeconomic Status, Family Functioning and Delayed Care Among Children With Special Needs. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 33:366-381. [PMID: 30124396 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2018.1504703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Parents of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) face tremendous stress in caring for their children. Families of CSHCN face increased barriers to health services as evidence also reflects the influence of socioeconomic factors on access. This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic factors and family functioning on delayed care. Descriptive, bivariate, and adjusted multivariate logistic regression were performed using sampling weights. findings suggest that family dynamics are more impactful on delayed care than socioeconomic predictors. Promoting family-centered care that incorporates social support for families to reduce barriers is essential for improved quality of life and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Donley
- a Department of Public Health, University of West Florida , Pensacola , Florida , USA
| | - Dione Moultrie King
- b Department of Social Work, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
| | - Nhlanganiso Nyathi
- c Department of Education and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University , Peterborough
| | - Anthony Okafor
- a Department of Public Health, University of West Florida , Pensacola , Florida , USA
| | - Justice Mbizo
- a Department of Public Health, University of West Florida , Pensacola , Florida , USA
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Kamp-Becker I, Poustka L, Bachmann C, Ehrlich S, Hoffmann F, Kanske P, Kirsch P, Krach S, Paulus FM, Rietschel M, Roepke S, Roessner V, Schad-Hansjosten T, Singer T, Stroth S, Witt S, Wermter AK. Study protocol of the ASD-Net, the German research consortium for the study of Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan: from a better etiological understanding, through valid diagnosis, to more effective health care. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:206. [PMID: 28577550 PMCID: PMC5455122 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a severe, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with early onset that places a heavy burden on affected individuals and their families. Due to the need for highly specialized health, educational and vocational services, ASD is a cost-intensive disorder, and strain on health care systems increases with increasing age of the affected individual. METHODS The ASD-Net will study Germany's largest cohort of patients with ASD over the lifespan. By combining methodological expertise from all levels of clinical research, the ASD-Net will follow a translational approach necessary to identify neurobiological pathways of different phenotypes and their appropriate identification and treatment. The work of the ASD-Net will be organized into three clusters concentrating on diagnostics, therapy and health economics. In the diagnostic cluster, data from a large, well-characterized sample (N = 2568) will be analyzed to improve the efficiency of diagnostic procedures. Pattern classification methods (machine learning) will be used to identify algorithms for screening purposes. In a second step, the developed algorithm will be tested in an independent sample. In the therapy cluster, we will unravel how an ASD-specific social skills training with concomitant oxytocin administration can modulate behavior through neurobiological pathways. For the first time, we will characterize long-term effects of a social skills training combined with oxytocin treatment on behavioral and neurobiological phenotypes. Also acute effects of oxytocin will be investigated to delineate general and specific effects of additional oxytocin treatment in order to develop biologically plausible models for symptoms and successful therapeutic interventions in ASD. Finally, in the health economics cluster, we will assess service utilization and ASD-related costs in order to identify potential needs and cost savings specifically tailored to Germany. The ASD-Net has been established as part of the German Research Network for Mental Disorders, funded by the BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research). DISCUSSION The highly integrated structure of the ASD-Net guarantees sustained collaboration of clinicians and researchers to alleviate individual distress, harm, and social disability of patients with ASD and reduce costs to the German health care system. TRIAL REGISTRATION Both clinical trials of the ASD-Net are registered in the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00008952 (registered on August 4, 2015) and DRKS00010053 (registered on April 8, 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sören Krach
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frieder Michel Paulus
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stefan Roepke
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Medical Faculty Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tanja Schad-Hansjosten
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sanna Stroth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Wermter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Donnelly MG, Karsten AM. Effects of programmed teaching errors on acquisition and durability of self-care skills. J Appl Behav Anal 2017; 50:511-528. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Wright B, Marshall D, Adamson J, Ainsworth H, Ali S, Allgar V, Collingridge Moore D, Cook E, Dempster P, Hackney L, McMillan D, Trepél D, Williams C. Social Stories™ to alleviate challenging behaviour and social difficulties exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream schools: design of a manualised training toolkit and feasibility study for a cluster randomised controlled trial with nested qualitative and cost-effectiveness components. Health Technol Assess 2016; 20:1-258. [PMID: 26792796 DOI: 10.3310/hta20060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Social Story™ (Carol Gray) is a child-friendly intervention that is used to give children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) social information in situations where they have social difficulties. Limited evidence mainly using single-case designs suggests that they can reduce anxiety and challenging behaviour. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to conduct a systematic review, use this to develop a manualised intervention and run a feasibility trial to inform a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) on their clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in schools. DESIGN This is a three-stage study following the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions. Specifically, it involved a theoretical phase, a qualitative stage and a feasibility trial stage. SETTING Qualitative interviews and focus groups took place in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and primary care settings. The feasibility study took place in 37 local mainstream schools. PARTICIPANTS Fifty children (aged 5-15 years) in mainstream school settings with a diagnosis of ASD were entered into the trial. For each child, an associated teacher and parent was also recruited. INTERVENTIONS The intervention was a goal-setting session followed by a manualised toolkit (including a training session) for creating Social Stories™ for use with school-aged children. The comparator treatment was a goal-setting session followed by an attention control. Both arms received treatment as usual. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes tested as part of the feasibility study included child- and proxy-completed questionnaires for mental health, quality of life and goal-based outcome measures. Adults additionally completed behaviour diaries and the parental stress index. RESULTS The review found that the research into social stories is predominantly based in the USA, carried out in under-12-year-olds and using single-case designs. Most studies either did not follow established Social Story criteria or did not report if they did. The assessment of effectiveness presents a largely positive picture but is limited by methodological issues. There were no adequate RCTs and insufficient information to assess a number of important sources of potential bias in most studies. A manualised intervention was produced using an iterative process between user focus groups and a writing team, and assessed in the feasibility study. All 50 participant groups were recruited within the study time frame. Two outcome measures, the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 and the custom-made goal-based measure, showed high levels of completion rates and appeared to be capturing social and behaviour skills targeted by the use of Social Stories. Detailed recommendations for a full trial are provided. LIMITATIONS Blinding of participants was not feasible. Treatment fidelity was not assessed because of low levels of story return rates. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that a fully powered RCT is feasible with an extended geographical footprint. A large amount of data and information has helped to inform the design of this RCT, which will be the subject of a future research grant application. Future work could focus on developing an appropriate blinded outcome measure for this population. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42011001440. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN96286707. FUNDING This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 6. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Wright
- Lime Trees Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Research Team, York, UK
| | - David Marshall
- Lime Trees Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Research Team, York, UK
| | - Joy Adamson
- York Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, York, UK
| | - Hannah Ainsworth
- York Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, York, UK
| | - Shehzad Ali
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Cook
- York Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, York, UK
| | - Paul Dempster
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lisa Hackney
- Lime Trees Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Research Team, York, UK
| | - Dean McMillan
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Dominic Trepél
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Chris Williams
- Lime Trees Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Research Team, York, UK
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Leigh JP, Grosse SD, Cassady D, Melnikow J, Hertz-Picciotto I. Spending by California's Department of Developmental Services for Persons with Autism across Demographic and Expenditure Categories. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151970. [PMID: 27015098 PMCID: PMC4807877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few autism spectrum disorder (ASD) studies have estimated non-medical costs for treatment or addressed possible differences in provision of services across gender, race-ethnic, age or demographic or expenditure categories, especially among adults. Methods The California Department of Developmental Services (CDDS) provides services to residents with developmental disabilities. CDDS provided aggregate data on primarily non-medical spending for fiscal year 2012–2013 for persons with ASD with or without intellectual disability (ID) (main sample, n = 42,274), and two sub-samples: ASD only (n = 30,164), and ASD+ID (n = 12,110). Demographic variables included sex, age and race-ethnicity. Spending categories included Employment Support, Community Care Facilities, Day Care, Transportation, and in-home and out-of-home Respite. Results Per-person spending for males and females were approximately the same: $10,488 and $10,791 for males and females for ages 3–17 and $26,491 and $26,627 for ages 18+. Among race/ethnicity categories, the ranking from highest to lowest among ages 3–17 was white non-Hispanics ($11,480), Asian non-Hispanics ($11,036), “Others” ($11,031), Hispanics ($9,571), and African-American non-Hispanics ($9,482). For ages 18+, the ranking was whites ($31,008), African-Americans ($26,831), “Others” ($25,395), Asians ($22,993), and Hispanics ($18,083). The ASD+ID sub-sample exerted disproportionate influence on findings from the main sample for persons 18+. Combining all ages, the top two expenditure categories for per-person spending were Community Care Facilities ($43,867) and Day Care ($11,244). For most adult age groups, the percentage of recipients participating were highest for Day Care (44.9% - 62.4%) and Transportation (38.6% - 50.9%). Per-person spending for Day Care, Transportation, and Employment Support was relatively low for children but relatively high for adults. Conclusion White non-Hispanics received the highest per-person spending and Hispanics among the least. Amounts within spending categories varied considerably across age groups. Our estimates may be useful as baseline measures for stakeholders preparing for increasing ASD prevalence, especially among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Paul Leigh
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Scott D. Grosse
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Diana Cassady
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Joy Melnikow
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
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Wu CM, Kung PT, Li CI, Tsai WC. The difference in medical utilization and associated factors between children and adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 36C:78-86. [PMID: 25462468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study determined differences in health care utilization and health care expenditures between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and examined possible reasons for these differences. A retrospective longitudinal study of children aged younger than 18 years both with and without ASD was conducted using the 2008 database of the Ministry of the Interior registry of the disabled persons in tandem with the National Health Insurance Research Database. Propensity score matching for the covariates of age, sex, and parental monthly salary was used to match children at a ratio of 1:3 for observing health care utilization among children with and without ASD from 2008 to 2011. Generalized estimating equation analysis was performed to determine factors that affect health care utilization, such as physician visits, emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, and health care expenditures. After matching was completed, the sample size comprised 3280 children with ASD and 9840 children without ASD. Among the children in the sample, most were boys (86.68%) between the ages of 6-11 years, and the average age of both samples was 9.8 years. After relevant factors were controlled for, the children with ASD yielded an average of 14.2 more annual physician visits and were more likely to visit the ER (OR=1.12, P<.05) or be hospitalized (OR=1.48; P<.05) compared with the children without ASD. Compared with the children without ASD, the children with ASD exhibited higher annual physician visit expenditures (NT$26,580 more), higher ER visit expenditures (NT$50 more), higher hospitalization expenditures (NT$5830 more), and NT$32,460 more total health care expenditures (all P<.05). Significant predictors of health care expenditures among the children with ASD were age, parental monthly salary, and severity of comorbidity. The most common reasons for physician visits or hospitalizations among the children with ASD were psychiatric illnesses, respiratory illnesses, and digestive illnesses. The children without ASD most commonly experienced respiratory, digestive, and nervous system or sense organ illnesses. Health care utilization among children with ASD is higher than that among children without ASD. The results of this study can serve as a reference for governmental agencies enacting relevant health care policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Mien Wu
- Department of Healthcare Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Accounting, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Tseng Kung
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Ing Li
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chen Tsai
- Department of Healthcare Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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