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Wang JD, Lai WW, Yang SC, Huang WY, Hwang JS. Estimating Taiwan's QALY league table for catastrophic illnesses: Providing real-world evidence to integrate prevention with treatment for resources allocation. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00247-X. [PMID: 38772804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Curative technologies improve patient's survival and/or quality of life but increase financial burdens. Effective prevention benefits all three. We summarize estimation methods and provide examples of how much money is spent per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) or life year (LY) on treating a catastrophic illness under a lifetime horizon and how many QALYs/LYs and lifetime medical costs (LMC) could be potentially saved by prevention. METHODS We established cohorts by interlinkages of Taiwan's nation-wide databases including National Health Insurance. We developed methods to estimate lifetime survival functions, which were multiplied with the medical costs and/or quality of life and summed up to estimate LMC, quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and lifetime average cost per QALY/LY for catastrophic illnesses. By comparing with the age-, sex-, and calendar year-matched referents simulated from vital statistics, we obtained the loss-of-QALE and loss-of-life expectancy (LE). RESULTS The lifetime cost-effectiveness ratios of ventilator-dependent comatose patients, dialysis, spinal cord injury, major trauma, and cancers were US$ 96,800, 16,200-20,000, 5500-5,900, 3400-3,600, and 2900-11,900 per QALY or LY, respectively. The successful prevention of lung, liver, oral, esophagus, stomach, nasopharynx, or ovary cancer would potentially save US$ 28,000-97,000 and > 10 QALYs; whereas those for end-stage kidney disease, stroke, spinal injury, or major trauma would be US$ 55,000-300,000 and 10-14 QALYs. Loss-of-QALE and loss-of-LE were less confounded indicators for comparing the lifetime health benefits of different technologies estimated from real-world data. CONCLUSIONS Integration of prevention with treatment for resources allocation seems feasible and would improve equity and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Der Wang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Wu-Wei Lai
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chun Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yen Huang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Huang C, Wu TH, Chen JC. End-of-Life Decisions of Intracranial Hemorrhage Patients Successfully Weaned From Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 39:1342-1349. [PMID: 35333660 PMCID: PMC9527450 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221074636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors related to the end-of-life decisions of patients with intracranial hemorrhage who were successfully weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate factors that influence the end-of-life decisions of these patients. METHODS This retrospective study examined patients with intracranial hemorrhage successfully weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation between January 2012 and December 2017. The following data was collected and analyzed: age, gender, comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, receipt or non-receipt of intracranial hemorrhage surgery, discharge status, and end-of-life decisions. RESULTS In total, 91 patients with intracranial hemorrhage were successfully weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation. The families of 62 (68.1%) patients signed the do-not-resuscitate order. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≥10 at discharge from the respiratory care center and zero comorbidities were the influencing factors between patients whose do-not-resuscitate orders were signed and those whose orders were not signed. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage successfully weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation had chronic kidney disease comorbidity and Glasgow Coma Scale score of <7 on admission to respiratory care center with a general ward mortality rate of 83.3%. CONCLUSIONS The families of intracranial hemorrhage patients with multiple comorbidities and higher neurologic impairment after successful weaning from the ventilator believed that palliative therapy would provide a greater benefit. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage successfully weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation with chronic kidney disease comorbidity and Glasgow Coma Scale score of <7 on admission to respiratory care center are candidates for the consideration of hospice care with ventilator withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chienhsiu Huang
- Department of Internal medicine, Division of Chest Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan and school of medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Cherng Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan and school of medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Lau VI, Xie F, Basmaji J, Cook DJ, Fowler R, Kiflen M, Sirotich E, Iansavichene A, Bagshaw SM, Wilcox ME, Lamontagne F, Ferguson N, Rochwerg B. Health-Related Quality-of-Life and Cost Utility Analyses in Critical Care: A Systematic Review. Crit Care Med 2021; 49:575-588. [PMID: 33591013 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000004851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cost utility analyses compare the costs and health outcome of interventions, with a denominator of quality-adjusted life year, a generic health utility measure combining both quality and quantity of life. Cost utility analyses are difficult to compare when methods are not standardized. It is unclear how cost utility analyses are measured/reported in critical care and what methodologic challenges cost utility analyses pose in this setting. This may lead to differences precluding cost utility analyses comparisons. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of cost utility analyses conducted in critical care. Our objectives were to understand: 1) methodologic characteristics, 2) how health-related quality-of-life was measured/reported, and 3) what costs were reported/measured. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES We systematically searched for cost utility analyses in critical care in MEDLINE, Embase, American College of Physicians Journal Club, CENTRAL, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews' selected subset of archived versions of UK National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and American Economic Association electronic databases from inception to April 30, 2020. SETTING Adult ICUs. PATIENTS Adult critically ill patients. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of 8,926 citations, 80 cost utility analyse studies were eligible. The time horizon most commonly reported was lifetime (59%). For health utility reporting, health-related quality-of-life was infrequently measured (29% reported), with only 5% of studies reporting baseline health-related quality-of-life. Indirect utility measures (generic, preference-based health utility measurement tools) were reported in 85% of studies (majority Euro-quality-of-life-5 Domains, 52%). Methods of estimating health-related quality-of-life were seldom used when the patient was incapacitated: imputation (19%), assigning fixed utilities for incapacitation (19%), and surrogates reporting on behalf of incapacitated patients (5%). For cost utility reporting transparency, separate incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years were both reported in only 76% of studies. Disaggregated quality-adjusted life years (reporting separate health utility and life years) were described in only 34% of studies. CONCLUSIONS We identified deficiencies which warrant recommendations (standardized measurement/reporting of resource use/unit costs/health-related quality-of-life/methodological preferences) for improved design, conduct, and reporting of future cost utility analyses in critical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent I Lau
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, and Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John Basmaji
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Deborah J Cook
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Fowler
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | - Michel Kiflen
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Sirotich
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sean M Bagshaw
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, and Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - M Elizabeth Wilcox
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | - François Lamontagne
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Niall Ferguson
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cost-effectiveness analyses are increasingly used to aid decisions about resource allocation in healthcare; this practice is slow to translate into critical care. We sought to identify and summarize original cost-effectiveness studies presenting cost per quality-adjusted life year, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, or cost per life-year ratios for treatments used in ICUs. DESIGN We conducted a systematic search of the English-language literature for cost-effectiveness analyses published from 1993 to 2018 in critical care. Study quality was assessed using the Drummond checklist. SETTING Critical care units. PATIENTS OR SUBJECTS Critical care patients. INTERVENTIONS Identified studies with cost-effectiveness analyses. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We identified 97 studies published through 2018 with 156 cost-effectiveness ratios. Reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from -$119,635 (hypothetical cohort of patients requiring either intermittent or continuous renal replacement therapy) to $876,539 (data from an acute renal failure study in which continuous renal replacement therapy was the most expensive therapy). Many studies reported favorable cost-effectiveness profiles (i.e., below $50,000 per life year or quality-adjusted life year). However, several therapies have since been proven harmful. Over 2 decades, relatively few cost-effectiveness studies in critical care have been published (average 4.6 studies per year). There has been a more recent trend toward using hypothetical cohorts and modeling scenarios without proven clinical data (2014-2018: 19/33 [58%]). CONCLUSIONS Despite critical care being a significant healthcare cost burden there remains a paucity of studies in the literature evaluating its cost effectiveness.
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Chung CH, Hu TH, Wang JD, Hwang JS. Estimation of Quality-Adjusted Life Expectancy of Patients With Oral Cancer: Integration of Lifetime Survival With Repeated Quality-of-Life Measurements. Value Health Reg Issues 2019; 21:59-65. [PMID: 31655464 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality-adjusted life year is widely applied nowadays, which consider both survival and quality of life (QoL). When most diseases are becoming chronic, it is imperative to quantify the overall health impact of a disease in lifetime perspective. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to introduce methods for estimating quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and loss of QALE in patients with a disease or specific conditions. METHODS The QALE of an index cohort can be represented as the integration of the product of lifetime survival function and mean QoL function. We introduce a robust extrapolation approach for estimating lifetime survival function and propose an approach for estimating lifetime mean QoL function for studies with limited follow-up. The best part of the proposed method is that the survival data and QoL data can be collected separately. A cohort of patients with a specific condition can be identified by databases that regularly collect data for the control of diseases, and their survival status is verified by linking to a mortality registry. Although nationwide QoL data are not available, researchers can implement a relative short-term follow-up interview on a random sample of patients to collect QoL data. For demonstration, we applied the proposed methods to estimate QALE and loss of QALE of oral cancer patients. RESULTS The estimates (95% confidence interval) of QALE for oral cancer patients were 11.0 (10.5-11.6) and 14.2 (12.7-15.5) quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for men and women, respectively. The estimates of loss of QALE for the male and female patients with oral cancer were 14.4 (13.8-14.9) and 7.5 (6.2-9.0) QALYs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The methods for estimating QALE and loss of QALE can be applied to economic evaluation of cancer control, including screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hua Chung
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsuey-Hwa Hu
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Der Wang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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Liu YY, Li LF. Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction in critical illness. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:1329-1337. [PMID: 30453774 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218811950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Mechanical ventilation (MV) is life-saving for patients with acute respiratory failure but also causes difficult liberation of patients from ventilator due to rapid decrease of diaphragm muscle endurance and strength, which is termed ventilator-induced diaphragmatic damage (VIDD). Numerous studies have revealed that VIDD could increase extubation failure, ICU stay, ICU mortality, and healthcare expenditures. However, the mechanisms of VIDD, potentially involving a multistep process including muscle atrophy, oxidative loads, structural damage, and muscle fiber remodeling, are not fully elucidated. Further research is necessary to unravel mechanistic framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying VIDD, especially mitochondrial dysfunction and increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, and develop better MV strategies, rehabilitative programs, and pharmacologic agents to translate this knowledge into clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Yang Liu
- 1 Chest Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan.,2 Institutes of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Li-Fu Li
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.,4 Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Propensity score-matching analyses on the effectiveness of integrated prospective payment program for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Health Policy 2018; 122:970-976. [PMID: 30097352 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An integrated delivery system with a prospective payment program (IPP) for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) was launched by Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) due to the costly and limited ICU resources. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of IPP and evaluate the factors associated with successful weaning and survival among patients with PMV. METHODS Taiwan's NHI Research Database was searched to obtain the data of patients aged ≥17 years who had PMV from 2006 to 2010 (N=50,570). A 1:1 propensity score matching approach was used to compare patients with and without IPP (N=30,576). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the factors related to successful weaning and survival. RESULTS The related factors of lower weaning rate in IPP participants (hazard ratio [HR]=0.84), were older age, higher income, catastrophic illness (HR=0.87), and higher comorbidity. The effectiveness of IPP intervention for the PMV patients showed longer days of hospitalization, longer ventilation days, higher survival rate, and higher medical costs (in respiratory care center, respiratory care ward). The 6-month mortality rate was lower (34.0% vs. 32.9%). The death risk of IPP patients compared to those non-IPP patients was lower (HR=0.91, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The policy of IPP for PMV patients showed higher survival rate although it was costly and related to lower weaning rate.
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Nonoyama ML, McKim DA, Road J, Guerriere D, Coyte PC, Wasilewski M, Avendano M, Katz SL, Amin R, Goldstein R, Zagorski B, Rose L. Healthcare utilisation and costs of home mechanical ventilation. Thorax 2018; 73:thoraxjnl-2017-211138. [PMID: 29374088 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-211138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) frequently choose to live at home for quality of life, despite financial burden. Previous studies of healthcare utilisation and costs do not consider public and private expenditures, including caregiver time. OBJECTIVES To determine public and private healthcare utilisation and costs for HMV users living at home in two Canadian provinces, and examine factors associated with higher costs. METHODS Longitudinal, prospective observational cost analysis study (April 2012 to August 2015) collecting data on public and private (out-of-pocket, third-party insurance, caregiving) costs every 2 weeks for 6 months using the Ambulatory and Home Care Record. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used at baseline and study completion. Regression models examined variables associated with total monthly costs selected a priori using Andersen and Newman's framework for healthcare utilisation, relevant literature, and clinical expertise. Data are reported in 2015 Canadian dollars ($C1=US$0.78=₤0.51=€0.71). RESULTS We enrolled 134 HMV users; 95 with family caregivers. Overall median (IQR) monthly healthcare cost was $5275 ($2291-$10 181) with $2410 (58%) publicly funded; $1609 (39%) family caregiving; and $141 (3%) out-of-pocket (<1% third-party insurance). Median healthcare costs were $8733 ($5868-$15 274) for those invasively ventilated and $3925 ($1212-$7390) for non-invasive ventilation. Variables associated with highest monthly costs were amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (1.88, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.26, P<0.03) and lower FIM quintiles (higher dependency) (up to 6.98, 95% CI 3.88 to 12.55, P<0.0001) adjusting for age, sex, tracheostomy and ventilation duration. CONCLUSIONS For HMV users, most healthcare costs were publicly supported or associated with family caregiving. Highest costs were incurred by the most dependent users. Understanding healthcare costs for HMV users will inform policy decisions to optimise resource allocation, helping individuals live at home while minimising caregiver burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika L Nonoyama
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas A McKim
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Denise Guerriere
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Health Economics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter C Coyte
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina Wasilewski
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monica Avendano
- Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sherri L Katz
- Division of Respirology, Department of Pediatrics, CHEO, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Research Unit, CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reshma Amin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger Goldstein
- Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon Zagorski
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise Rose
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hwang JS, Hu TH, Lee LJH, Wang JD. Estimating lifetime medical costs from censored claims data. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2017; 26:e332-e344. [PMID: 28497642 DOI: 10.1002/hec.3512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Claims databases consisting of routinely collected longitudinal records of medical expenditures are increasingly utilized for estimating expected medical costs of patients with a specific condition. Survival data of the patients of interest are usually highly censored, and observed expenditures are incomplete. In this study, we propose a survival-adjusted estimator for estimating mean lifetime costs, which integrates the product of the survival function and the mean cost function over the lifetime horizon. The survival function is estimated by a new algorithm of rolling extrapolation, aided by external information of age- and sex-matched referents simulated from national vital statistics. The mean cost function is estimated by a weighted average of mean expenditures of patients in a number of months prior to their death, of which the number could be determined by observed costs in their final months, and the weights depend on extrapolated hazards. We evaluate the performance of the proposed approach in comparison with that of a popular method using simulated data under various scenarios and 2 cohorts of intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke patients with a maximum follow-up of 13 years and conclude that our new method estimates the mean lifetime costs more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsuey-Hwa Hu
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lukas Jyuhn-Hsiarn Lee
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Der Wang
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine and Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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Determinants of Receiving Palliative Care and Ventilator Withdrawal Among Patients With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation. Crit Care Med 2017; 45:1625-1634. [PMID: 28658025 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000002569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing numbers of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation generates a tremendous strain on healthcare systems. Patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation suffer from long-term poor quality of life. However, no study has ever explored the willingness to receive palliative care or terminal withdrawal and the factors influencing willingness. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Five different hospitals of Taipei City Hospital system. PATIENTS Adult patients with ventilatory support for more than 60 days. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We identified the family members of 145 consecutive patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation in five hospitals of Taipei City Hospital system and enrolled family members for 106 patients (73.1%). We collected information from patient families' regarding concepts (knowledge, attitude, and experiences) of palliative care, caregiver burden, family function, patient quality of life, and physician-family communications. From the medical record, we obtained duration of hospitalization, consciousness level, disease severity, medical cost, and the presence of do-not-resuscitate orders. The vast majority of family members agreed with the concept of palliative care (90.4%) with 17.3% of the family members agreeing to ventilator withdrawal currently and 67.5% terminally in anticipation of death. Approximately half of the family members regretted having chosen prolonged mechanical ventilation (56.7%). Reduced patient quality of life and increased family understanding of palliative care significantly associated with increased caregiver willingness to endorse palliative care and withdraw life-sustaining agents in anticipation of death. Longer duration of ventilator usage and hospitalization was associated with increased feelings of regret about choosing prolonged mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS During prolonged mechanical ventilation, physicians should thoroughly discuss its benefits and burdens. Families should be given the opportunity to discuss the circumstances under which they might request the implementation of palliative care or withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in order to avoid prolonging the dying process.
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Liu JF, Lu MC, Fang TP, Yu HR, Lin HL, Fang DL. Burden on caregivers of ventilator-dependent patients: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7396. [PMID: 28682893 PMCID: PMC5502166 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Caring for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) patients imposes heavy psychological, physical, social, and financial burdens on caregivers. Currently, studies regarding the burden on caregivers of PMV patients are scant; therefore, the present study investigated the burden on caregivers of PMV patients.This cross-sectional study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital. A survey was conducted among the caregivers of PMV patients who were admitted to a chronic respiratory care ward (RCW) or were receiving home care from June to December 2010. The survey included basic demographic information of PMV patients and their caregivers and the Burden Assessment Scale scores for 4 domains comprising a total of 21 questions (physical burden, n = 5; psychological burden, n = 6; social burden, n = 6; financial burden, n = 4). Statistical analyses were conducted using the t test, 1-way analysis of variance with the Scheffé post hoc test, and the chi-square test, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant.A total of 160 caregivers (age, 50-53 years) were recruited (n = 80 each in the home care and RCW groups), and most of these caregivers were married women. Due to insufficient sleep, physical exhaustion, back pain, and caregiving, home caregivers had significantly higher physical burden levels than RCW caregivers (P < .01).Home caregivers experienced higher physical burden levels than RCW caregivers. Therefore, clinical and professional support must be provided to home caregivers of PMV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Fang Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine
- Department of Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology
| | - Man-Chi Lu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine
| | - Tien-Pei Fang
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi, Chiayi
| | - Hong-Ren Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung
| | - Hui-Ling Lin
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi, Chiayi
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Der-Long Fang
- Department of Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung
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Tallo FS, de Campos Vieira Abib S, de Andrade Negri AJ, Filho PC, Lopes RD, Lopes AC. Evaluation of self-perception of mechanical ventilation knowledge among Brazilian final-year medical students, residents and emergency physicians. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2017; 72:65-70. [PMID: 28273238 PMCID: PMC5304362 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2017(02)01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present self-assessments of knowledge about mechanical ventilation made by final-year medical students, residents, and physicians taking qualifying courses at the Brazilian Society of Internal Medicine who work in urgent and emergency settings. METHODS: A 34-item questionnaire comprising different areas of knowledge and training in mechanical ventilation was given to 806 medical students, residents, and participants in qualifying courses at 11 medical schools in Brazil. The questionnaire's self-assessment items for knowledge were transformed into scores. RESULTS: The average score among all participants was 21% (0-100%). Of the total, 85% respondents felt they did not receive sufficient information about mechanical ventilation during medical training. Additionally, 77% of the group reported that they would not know when to start noninvasive ventilation in a patient, and 81%, 81%, and 89% would not know how to start volume control, pressure control and pressure support ventilation modes, respectively. Furthermore, 86.4% and 94% of the participants believed they would not identify the basic principles of mechanical ventilation in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively, and would feel insecure beginning ventilation. Finally, 77% said they would fear for the safety of a patient requiring invasive mechanical ventilation under their care. CONCLUSION: Self-assessment of knowledge and self-perception of safety for managing mechanical ventilation were deficient among residents, students and emergency physicians from a sample in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Sabia Tallo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Renato Delascio Lopes
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Antônio Carlos Lopes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
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Cost effectiveness of cancer treatment in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2016; 115:609-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Lien K, Tam VC, Ko YJ, Mittmann N, Cheung MC, Chan KKW. Impact of country-specific EQ-5D-3L tariffs on the economic value of systemic therapies used in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:e443-52. [PMID: 26715881 DOI: 10.3747/co.22.2592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous Canadian cost-effectiveness analyses in cancer based on the EQ-5D-3L (EuroQoL, Rotterdam, Netherlands) have commonly used U.K. or U.S. tariffs because the Canadian equivalent only just recently became available. The implications of using non-Canadian tariffs to inform decision-making are unclear. We aimed to reevaluate an earlier cost-effectiveness analysis of therapies for metastatic pancreatic cancer (originally performed using U.S. tariffs) with tariffs from Canada and various other countries to determine the impact of using non-country-specific tariffs. METHODS We used tariffs from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and Spain to derive EQ-5D-3L utilities for the 10 health states in the pancreatic cancer model. Quality-adjusted life years (qalys) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (icers) were generated, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (psas) were performed. RESULTS Canadian utilities are generally lower than the corresponding U.S. utilities and higher than those for the United Kingdom. Compared with the Canadian-valued scenarios, U.S. and U.K. estimates were statistically different for 3 and 9 scenarios respectively. Overall, 35% of the non-Canadian utilities (28 of 80) were significantly different, clinically, from the Canadian values. Canadian qalys were 6% lower than those for the United States and 6% higher than those for the United Kingdom. When comparing the qalys of each treatment with those of gemcitabine alone, the average percent change was +6.8% for a U.S. scenario and -7.5% for a U.K. scenario compared with a Canadian scenario. Consequently, Canadian icers were approximately 5.4% greater than those for the United States and 8.6% lower than those for the United Kingdom. Based on the psas and compared with the Canadian threshold value, the minimum willingness-to-pay threshold at which the combination chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine-capecitabine is the most cost-effective is $5,239 less than in the United States and $11,986 more than in the United Kingdom. CONCLUSIONS The use of non-country-specific tariffs leads to significant differences in the derived utilities, icers, and psa results. Past Canadian EQ-5D-3L-based cost-effectiveness analyses and related funding decisions might need to be re-visited using Canadian tariffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lien
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
| | - V C Tam
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Y J Ko
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - N Mittmann
- Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomics Research Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
| | - M C Cheung
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - K K W Chan
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; ; Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
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Hung MC, Liu MT, Cheng YM, Wang JD. Estimation of savings of life-years and cost from early detection of cervical cancer: a follow-up study using nationwide databases for the period 2002-2009. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:505. [PMID: 25011933 PMCID: PMC4103978 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies consider both the survival and financial benefits of detection of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) at earlier stages. This study estimated the savings in life-years and costs from early diagnosis of cervical cancer using an ex post approach. METHODS A total of 28,797 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer in the period 2002-2009 were identified from the National Cancer Registry of Taiwan, and linked to the National Mortality Registry until the end of 2011. Life expectancies (LE) for cancer at different stages were estimated using a semi-parametric extrapolation method. The expected years of life lost (EYLL) for cancer were calculated by subtracting the LE of the cancer cohort from that of the age-and sex-matched general population. The mean lifetime costs after diagnosis paid by the single-payer National Health Insurance during (NHI) 2002-2010 were estimated by multiplying average monthly expenditures by the survival probabilities and summing up over lifetime. RESULTS ICC at stages 1 to 4 had an average EYLL of 6.33 years, 11.64 years, 12.65 years, and 18.61 years, respectively, while the related lifetime costs paid by the NHI were $7,020, $10,133, $11,120, and $10,015 US dollars, respectively; the younger the diagnosis age, the higher the savings with regard to EYLL. The mean lifetime costs of managing cervical cancer were generally lower for the earlier stages compared with stages 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS Early detection of ICC saves lives and reduces healthcare costs. These health benefits and monetary savings can be used for cost-effectiveness assessments and the promotion of regular proactive screening, especially among older women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ya-Min Cheng
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, No,1, University Road, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Toffart AC, Timsit JF. Is prolonged mechanical ventilation of cancer patients futile? CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2013; 17:189. [PMID: 24053905 PMCID: PMC4056103 DOI: 10.1186/cc13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The issue of limiting life-sustaining treatments for intensive care unit (ICU)
patients is complex. The ethical principles applied by ICU staff when making
treatment-limitation decisions must comply with the law of their country. Until
2011, the law in Taiwan prohibited the withdrawal of mechanical ventilation.
Consequently, patients with severe underlying diseases could receive prolonged
mechanical ventilation. In a study conducted by Shih and colleagues in patients
with cancer in Taiwan, continuous mechanical ventilation for more than 21 days
was associated with poor outcomes, particularly in the subgroups of patients
with metastases, lung cancer, or liver cancer. These results highlight the need
for appropriate legislation regarding the withdrawal of life-sustaining
treatments in patients, especially those for whom no effective cancer treatments
are available.
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Shih CY, Hung MC, Lu HM, Chen L, Huang SJ, Wang JD. Incidence, life expectancy and prognostic factors in cancer patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation: a nationwide analysis of 5,138 cases during 1998-2007. Crit Care 2013; 17:R144. [PMID: 23876301 PMCID: PMC4057492 DOI: 10.1186/cc12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study is aimed at determining the incidence, survival rate, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and prognostic factors in patients with cancer in different organ systems undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). METHODS We used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 1998 to 2007 and linked it with the National Mortality Registry to ascertain mortality. Subjects who received PMV, defined as having undergone mechanical ventilation continuously for longer than 21 days, were enrolled. The incidence of cancer patients requiring PMV was calculated, with the exception of patients with multiple cancers. The life expectancies and QALE of patients with different types of cancer were estimated. Quality-of-life data were taken from a sample of 142 patients who received PMV. A multivariable proportional hazards model was constructed to assess the effect of different prognostic factors, including age, gender, type of cancer, metastasis, comorbidities and hospital levels. RESULTS Among 9,011 cancer patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days, 5,138 undergoing PMV had a median survival of 1.37 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.50 to 4.57) and a 1-yr survival rate of 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3% to 15.3%). The incidence of PMV was 10.4 per 100 ICU admissions. Head and neck cancer patients seemed to survive the longest. The overall life expectancy was 1.21 years, with estimated QALE ranging from 0.17 to 0.37 quality-adjusted life years for patients with poor and partial cognition, respectively. Cancer of liver (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.78), lung (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.41) and metastasis (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.65) were found to predict shorter survival independently. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients requiring PMV had poor long-term outcomes. Palliative care should be considered early in these patients, especially when metastasis has occurred.
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