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Willke RJ, Pizzi LT, Rand LZ, Neumann P. The Value of the Quality-Adjusted Life Years. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:702-705. [PMID: 38703994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Willke
- Senior Scientific Advisor and CSO Emeritus, ISPOR, The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA.
| | - Laura T Pizzi
- Chief Science Officer, ISPOR, The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA; Research Professor, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA
| | - Leah Z Rand
- Research Scientist, Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA Lecturer, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Neumann
- Director, Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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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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Barman-Aksözen J, Hentschel N, Pettersson M, Schupp E, Granata F, Dechant C, Aksözen MH, Falchetto R. Fair Funding Decisions: Consistency of the Time Horizons Used in the Calculation of Quality-Adjusted Life Years for Therapies for Very Rare Diseases by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:616. [PMID: 38791830 PMCID: PMC11121024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England uses quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments. A QALY is a measure that combines the size of the clinical benefit of a treatment with the time the patient benefits from it, i.e., the time horizon. We wanted to know how consistently QALY gains are calculated at NICE. Therefore, we have analysed information on the time horizons used for the QALY calculations of the concluded evaluations conducted under the Highly Specialised Technologies programme for treatments of very rare diseases at NICE. For treatments with final guidance published by December 2023 (n = 29), a time horizon of median 97.5 years (range: 35 to 125 years) was used to calculate the QALY gains. For most QALY calculations, the accepted time horizon was longer than either the expected treatment duration or the estimated life expectancy. In contrast, for the only technology with a final negative funding decision, i.e., afamelanotide for treating the lifelong chronic disease erythropoietic protoporphyria, a time horizon that was shorter than the expected treatment duration was used. The fairness and consistency of the evaluation process of treatments for very rare diseases at NICE should be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Barman-Aksözen
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Hentschel
- Independent Researcher, Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mårten Pettersson
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Schupp
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Granata
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C Medicina ad Indirizzo Metabolico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Cornelia Dechant
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mehmet Hakan Aksözen
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rocco Falchetto
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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Taban M, Nooraeen S, Tanha K, Moradi-Lakeh M, Malakouti SK. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community-based mental health services for individuals with severe mental illness in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:256. [PMID: 38575916 PMCID: PMC10993444 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05666-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe mental illness (SMI) imposes a substantial worldwide burden of disability, highlighting the need for comprehensive and adaptable mental health services. This study aims to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of community-based mental health services (CBMHS) in reducing relapse and rehospitalization rates among individuals with SMI in Iran. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Medline, EMBASE, ISI, SCOPUS, and ProQuest were searched until December 2022. We focused on randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, or economic studies related to individuals with SMI. Out of 127 articles, 17 were selected for a full-text review. The primary outcomes were the severity of psychopathology, rehospitalization rates, and the mental health of caregivers. We also examined community-based interventions and their impact on various outcomes. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed, and critical appraisal was conducted using JBI checklists. Meta-analysis was carried out using STATA software. (PROSPERO registration. CRD42022332660). RESULT Rehospitalization rates among patients who received CBMHS were significantly lower, with an odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.44 to 3.19), indicating a 2.14 times lower likelihood than those who received treatment as usual. A reduction in psychopathology accompanied this, SMD: -0.31, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.13, I2 = 40.23%). Moreover, there was a notable improvement in social skills (SMD: -0.7, 95% CI: -0.98 to -0.44, I2 = 0.00%). The burden on caregivers also decreased (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.1, I2 = 63.2). The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for QUALY was acceptable, albeit with a wide range of 613 to 8400 Dollars. CONCLUSION CBMHS has demonstrated effectiveness and efficiency in Iran as a developing country. Additionally, it shows promise in mitigating the shortage of acute psychiatry beds. Using multiple data collection tools poses a limitation regarding data consolidation and conducting a meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Taban
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nooraeen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kiarash Tanha
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K
| | - Maziar Moradi-Lakeh
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Research Center (GILDRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Kazem Malakouti
- Geriatric Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hofmann B. Moral obligations towards human persons' wellbeing versus their suffering: An analysis of perspectives of moral philosophy. Health Policy 2024; 142:105031. [PMID: 38428058 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
What do we owe other persons? Are we as much obliged to promote their wellbeing as we are to reduce their suffering? This question is crucial for a range of social institutions and welfare services, and especially for the health services. To address this question the article investigates prominent positions and arguments in moral philosophy. It finds that while classical utilitarianism claims that there is symmetry in the moral obligation with respect to peoples' wellbeing and their suffering, a wide range of other positions and perspectives argue for an asymmetric relationship with stronger moral obligations towards other persons' suffering than towards their wellbeing. This difference in obligations is supported ontologically by basic differences inherent in wellbeing and suffering and axiologically by a relative (gradual) difference in value. The many well-founded arguments for stronger moral obligations towards other persons' suffering than towards their wellbeing has important implications for health policy; especially for priority setting. Avoiding and reducing suffering should have priority to the promotion and enhancement of wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- Centre of Medical Ethics at the University of Oslo, Norway; Institute for the Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), PO Box 1, N-2802 Gjøvik, Norway.
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Egilman AC, Kesselheim AS, Avorn J, Raymakers AJN, Rome BN. Use of Efficiency Frontiers to Align Prices and Clinical Benefits of Biologic Therapies for Plaque Psoriasis. JAMA Dermatol 2024; 160:409-416. [PMID: 38381418 PMCID: PMC10882509 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.6236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Importance The US lacks a systematic approach for aligning drug prices with clinical benefit, and traditional cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) faces political obstacles. The efficiency frontier (EF) method offers policymakers an alternative approach. Objective To assess how the EF approach could align prices and clinical benefits of biologic medications for plaque psoriasis and estimate price reductions in the US vs 4 peer countries: Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. Design and Setting This health economic evaluation used the EF approach to compare the prices and clinical benefits of 11 biologics and 2 biosimilars for plaque psoriasis in the US, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. Data were collected from February to March 2023 and analyzed from March to June 2023. Main Outcome Measures EFs were constructed based on each biologic's efficacy, measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response rate, and annual treatment cost as of January 2023; US costs were net of estimated manufacturer rebates. Prices based on the EF were compared with traditional CEA-based prices calculated by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review at a threshold of $150 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Results Among 13 biologics, PASI 90 response rates ranged from 17.9% (etanercept) to 71.6% (risankizumab); US net annual treatment costs ranged from $1664 (infliximab-dyyb) to $79 277 (risankizumab). The median (IQR) net annual treatment cost was higher in the US ($34 965 [$20 493-$48 942]) than prerebate costs in Australia ($9179 [$6691-$12 688]), Canada ($15 556 [$13 017-$16 112]), France ($9478 [$6637-$11 678]), and Germany ($13 829 [$13 231-$15 837]). The US EF included infliximab-dyyb (PASI 90: 57.4%; annual cost: $1664), ixekizumab (PASI 90: 70.8%; annual cost: $33 004), and risankizumab (PASI 90: 71.6%; annual cost: $79 277). US prices for psoriasis biologics would need to be reduced by a median (IQR) of 71% (31%-95%) to align with those estimated using the EF; the same approach would yield smaller price reductions in Canada (41% [6%-57%]), Australia (36% [0%-65%]), France (19% [0%-67%]), and Germany (11% [8%-26%]). Except for risankizumab, the EF-based prices were lower than the prices based on traditional CEA. Conclusions and Relevance This economic evaluation showed that for plaque psoriasis biologics, using an EF approach to negotiate prices could lead to substantial price reductions and better align prices with clinical benefits. US policymakers might consider using EFs to achieve prices commensurate with comparative clinical benefits, particularly for drug classes with multiple therapeutic alternatives for which differences can be adequately summarized by a single outcome measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C. Egilman
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron S. Kesselheim
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jerry Avorn
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adam J. N. Raymakers
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin N. Rome
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Paulden M, Sampson C, O'Mahony JF, Spackman E, McCabe C, Round J, Snowsill T. Logical Inconsistencies in the Health Years in Total and Equal Value of Life-Years Gained. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:356-366. [PMID: 38048985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess whether recently proposed alternatives to the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), intended to address concerns about discrimination, are suitable for informing resource allocation decisions. METHODS We consider 2 alternatives to the QALY: the health years in total (HYT), recently proposed by Basu et al, and the equal value of life-years gained (evLYG), currently used by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. For completeness we also consider unweighted life-years (LYs). Using a hypothetical example comparing 3 mutually exclusive treatment options, we consider how calculations are performed under each approach and whether the resulting rankings are logically consistent. We also explore some further challenges that arise from the unique properties of the HYT approach. RESULTS The HYT and evLYG approaches can result in logical inconsistencies that do not arise under the QALY or LY approaches. HYT can violate the independence of irrelevant alternatives axiom, whereas the evLYG can produce an unstable ranking of treatment options. HYT have additional issues, including an implausible assumption that the utilities associated with health-related quality of life and LYs are "separable," and a consideration of "counterfactual" health-related quality of life for patients who are dead. CONCLUSIONS The HYT and evLYG approaches can result in logically inconsistent decisions. We recommend that decision makers avoid these approaches and that the logical consistency of any approaches proposed in future be thoroughly explored before considering their use in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | | | | | - Eldon Spackman
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher McCabe
- Centre for Public Health and Queens Management School, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jeff Round
- Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tristan Snowsill
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter, Exeter, England, UK
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Ramagopalan SV, Diaz J, Mitchell G, Garrison LP, Kolchinsky P. Is the price right? Paying for value today to get more value tomorrow. BMC Med 2024; 22:45. [PMID: 38287326 PMCID: PMC10826180 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contemporary debates about drug pricing feature several widely held misconceptions, including the relationship between incentives and innovation, the proportion of total healthcare spending on pharmaceuticals, and whether the economic evaluation of a medicine can be influenced by things other than clinical efficacy. MAIN BODY All citizens should have access to timely, equitable, and cost-effective care covered by public funds, private insurance, or a combination of both. Better managing the collective burden of diseases borne by today's and future generations depends in part on developing better technologies, including better medicines. As in any innovative industry, the expectation of adequate financial returns incentivizes innovators and their investors to develop new medicines. Estimating expected returns requires that they forecast revenues, based on the future price trajectory and volume of use over time. How market participants decide what price to set or accept can be complicated, and some observers and stakeholders want to confirm whether the net prices society pays for novel medicines, whether as a reward for past innovation or an incentive for future innovation, are commensurate with those medicines' incremental value. But we must also ask "value to whom?"; medicines not only bring immediate clinical benefits to patients treated today, but also can provide a broad spectrum of short- and long-term benefits to patients, their families, and society. Spending across all facets of healthcare has grown over the last 25 years, but both inpatient and outpatient spending has outpaced drug spending growth even as our drug armamentarium is constantly improving with safer and more effective medicines. In large part, this is because, unlike hospitals, drugs typically go generic, thus making room in our budgets for new and better ones, even as they often keep patients out of hospitals, driving further savings. CONCLUSION A thorough evaluation of drug spending and value can help to promote a better allocation of healthcare resources for both the healthy and the sick, both of whom must pay for healthcare. Taking a holistic approach to assessing drug value makes it clear that a branded drug's value to a patient is often only a small fraction of the drug's total value to society. Societal value merits consideration when determining whether and how to make a medicine affordable and accessible to patients: a drug that is worth its price to society should not be rendered inaccessible to ill patients by imposing high out-of-pocket costs or restricting coverage based on narrow health technology assessments (HTAs). Furthermore, recognizing the total societal cost of un- or undertreated conditions is crucial to gaining a thorough understanding of what guides the biomedical innovation ecosystem to create value for society. It would be unwise to discourage the development of new solutions without first appreciating the cost of leaving the problems unsolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeram V Ramagopalan
- Lane Clark & Peacock LLP, London, UK.
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jose Diaz
- Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bristol Myers Squibb, Uxbridge, UK
| | | | - Louis P Garrison
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Campbell JD, Whittington MD, Pearson SD. An Alternative Measure of Health for Value Assessment: The Equal Value Life-Year. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:1175-1182. [PMID: 37458912 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) is an international standard in cost-effectiveness analysis. A known concern arises from the relatively lower QALY gains attributed to treatments that extend the life of individuals with chronic disability. We analyze here the advantages and disadvantages of the equal value life-year (evLY) as an alternative or a complementary measure to the QALY, and share learned experiences from using this measure in health technology assessments. We present the conceptual rationale for the evLY, describe how it is estimated, and assess the differences in results between analyses based on the evLY and the QALY. We share a how-to guide in estimating the evLY using a downloadable tool and summarize our empirical experience using this measure. Incremental evLYs are feasible and address concerns regarding the risk for a cost-effectiveness analysis to undervalue treatments for people with chronic disabilities. Based on our set of analyses using the evLY, a threshold of $84,000 per evLY gained would be needed to maintain alignment with a threshold of $100,000 per added QALY. The evLY is a measure of health gain that can be used as an alternative or a complement to the QALY to address concerns related to undervaluing treatments that extend the life of individuals with serious illness or chronic disability. We recommend that it be reported within all cost-effectiveness analyses but may have special relevance in the current political environment in the USA, where use of the QALY is often challenged or prohibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Campbell
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, 14 Beacon Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA.
| | - Melanie D Whittington
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, 14 Beacon Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
| | - Steven D Pearson
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, 14 Beacon Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108, USA
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Muir JM, Radhakrishnan A, Freitag A, Ozer Stillman I, Sarri G. Reconstructing the value puzzle in health technology assessment: a pragmatic review to determine which modelling methods can account for additional value elements. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1197259. [PMID: 37521458 PMCID: PMC10372435 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1197259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Health technology assessment (HTA) has traditionally relied on cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) as a cornerstone of evaluation of new therapies, assessing the clinical validity and utility, the efficacy, and the cost-effectiveness of new interventions. The current format of cost-effectiveness analysis, however, does not allow for inclusion of more holistic aspects of health and, therefore, value elements for new technologies such as the impact on patients and society beyond its pure clinical and economic value. This study aimed to review the recent modelling attempts to expand the traditional cost-effectiveness analysis approach by incorporating additional elements of value in health technology assessment. A pragmatic literature review was conducted for articles published between 2012 and 2022 reporting cost-effectiveness analysis including value aspects beyond the clinical and cost-effectiveness estimates; searches identified 13 articles that were eligible for inclusion. These expanded modelling approaches mainly focused on integrating the impact of societal values and health equity in cost-effectiveness analysis, both of which were championed as important aspects of health technology assessment that should be incorporated into future technology assessments. The reviewed cost-effectiveness analysis methods included modification of the current cost-effectiveness analysis methodology (distributional cost-effectiveness analysis, augmented cost-effectiveness analysis, extended cost-effectiveness analysis) or the use of multi-criteria decision analysis. Of these approaches, augmented cost-effectiveness analysis appears to have the most potential by expanding traditional aspects of value, as it uses techniques already familiar to health technology assessment agencies but also allows space for incorporation of qualitative aspects of a product's value. This review showcases that methods to unravel additional value elements for technology assessment exist, therefore, patient access to promising technologies can be improved by moving the discussion from "if" to "how" additional value elements can inform decision-making.
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Cliff ERS, Kelkar AH, Russler-Germain DA, Tessema FA, Raymakers AJN, Feldman WB, Kesselheim AS. High Cost of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: Challenges and Solutions. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e397912. [PMID: 37433102 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_397912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells are a cellular immunotherapy with remarkable efficacy in treating multiple hematologic malignancies but they are associated with extremely high prices that are, for many countries, prohibitively expensive. As their use increases both for hematologic malignancies and other indications, and large numbers of new cellular therapies are developed, novel approaches will be needed both to reduce the cost of therapy, and to pay for them. We review the many factors that lead to the high cost of CAR T-cells and offer proposals for reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Scheffer Cliff
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Amar H Kelkar
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - David A Russler-Germain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Frazer A Tessema
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Adam J N Raymakers
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - William B Feldman
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Klimchak AC, Sedita LE, Rodino-Klapac LR, Mendell JR, McDonald CM, Gooch KL, Malone DC. Assessing the value of delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001) gene therapy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the United States. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2023; 11:2216518. [PMID: 37261034 PMCID: PMC10228300 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2023.2216518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001) is an investigational gene therapy that may delay progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe, rare neuromuscular disease caused by DMD gene mutations. Early cost-effectiveness analyses are important to help contextualize the value of gene therapies for reimbursement decision making. Objective: To determine the potential value of delandistrogene moxeparvovec using a cost-effectiveness analysis. Study design: A simulation calculated lifetime costs and equal value of life years gained (evLYG). Inputs included extrapolated clinical trial results and published utilities/costs. As a market price for delandistrogene moxeparvovec has not been established, threshold analyses established maximum treatment costs as they align with value, including varying willingness-to-pay up to $500,000, accounting for severity/rarity. Setting: USA, healthcare system perspective Patients: Boys with DMD Intervention: Delandistrogene moxeparvovec plus standard of care (SoC; corticosteroids) versus SoC alone Main outcome measure: Maximum treatment costs at a given willingness-to-pay threshold Results: Delandistrogene moxeparvovec added 10.30 discounted (26.40 undiscounted) evLYs. The maximum treatment cost was approximately $5 M, assuming $500,000/evLYG. Varying the benefit discount rate to account for the single administration increased the estimated value to #$5M, assuming $500,000/evLYG. Conclusion: In this early economic model, delandistrogene moxeparvovec increases evLYs versus SoC and begins to inform its potential value from a healthcare perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C. Klimchak
- Global HEOR, RWE & Analytics, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lauren E. Sedita
- Global HEOR, RWE & Analytics, Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig M. McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Daniel C. Malone
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Kinchin I, Walshe V, Normand C, Coast J, Elliott R, Kroll T, Kinghorn P, Thompson A, Viney R, Currow D, O'Mahony JF. Expanding health technology assessment towards broader value: Ireland as a case study. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2023; 39:e26. [PMID: 37129030 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462323000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare innovations often represent important improvements in population welfare, but at what cost, and to whom? Health technology assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process to inform resource allocation. HTA is conventionally anchored on health maximization as the only relevant output of health services. If we accept the proposition that health technologies can generate value outside the healthcare system, resource allocation decisions could be suboptimal from a societal perspective. Incorporating "broader value" in HTA as derived from social values and patient experience could provide a richer evaluative space for informing resource allocation decisions. This article considers how HTA is practiced and what its current context implies for adopting "broader value" to evaluating health technologies. Methodological challenges are highlighted, as is a future research agenda. Ireland serves as an example of a healthcare system that both has an explicit role for HTA and is evolving under a current program of reform to offer universal, single-tier access to public services. There are various ways in which HTA processes could move beyond health, including considering the processes of care delivery and/or expanding the evaluative space to some broader concept of well-being. Methods to facilitate the latter exist, but their adaptation to HTA is still emerging. We recommend a multi-stakeholder working group to develop and advance an international agenda for HTA that captures welfare/benefit beyond health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kinchin
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna Coast
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Elliott
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Thilo Kroll
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip Kinghorn
- Health Economics Unit, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rosalie Viney
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Zechmeister-Koss I, Strohmaier C, Hölzle L, Bauer A, Goodyear M, Christiansen H, Paul JL. Economic Evaluation of Family-Focused Programs When Parents Have a Mental Health Problem: Methodological Considerations. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:704-711. [PMID: 36503037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The nature of adverse effects of parental mental health problems and of the interventions to address them may require specific designs of economic evaluation studies. Nevertheless, methodological guidance is lacking. We aim to understand the broad spectrum of adverse effects from parental mental health problems in children and the economic consequences on an individual and societal level to navigate the design of economic evaluations in this field. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search of empirical studies on children's adverse effects from parental mental illness. We clustered types of impact, identified individual and public cost consequences, and illustrated the results in an impact inventory. RESULTS We found a wide variety of short- and long-term (mental) health impacts, impacts on social functioning and socioeconomic implications for the children individually, and adverse effects on the societal level. Consequently, public costs can occur in various public sectors (eg, healthcare, education), and individuals may have to pay costs privately. CONCLUSIONS Existing evaluations in this field mostly follow standard methodological approaches (eg, cost-utility analysis using quality-adjusted life-years) and apply a short-time horizon. Our findings suggest applying a long-term time horizon (at least up to early adulthood), considering cost-consequence analysis and alternatives to health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years as outcome measures, and capturing the full range of possible public and private costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Hölzle
- Village Research Group, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annette Bauer
- London School of Economics, Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC), London, England, UK
| | - Melinda Goodyear
- Monash University Australia, School of Rural Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Jean L Paul
- Village Research Group, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Docking S, Gao L, Ademi Z, Bonello C, Buchbinder R. Use of Decision-Analytic Modelling to Assess the Cost-Effectiveness of Diagnostic Imaging of the Spine, Shoulder, and Knee: A Scoping Review. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2023; 21:467-475. [PMID: 36940059 PMCID: PMC10119214 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00799-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited evidence is available on the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic imaging for back, neck, knee, and shoulder complaints. Decision analytic modelling may be an appropriate method to synthesise evidence from multiple sources, and overcomes issues with trial-based economic evaluations. OBJECTIVE The aim was to describe the reporting of methods and objectives utilised in existing decision analytic modelling studies that assess the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic imaging for back, neck, knee, and shoulder complaints. METHODS Decision analytic modelling studies investigating the use of any imaging modality for people of any age with back, neck, knee, or shoulder complaints were included. No restrictions on comparators were applied, and included studies were required to estimate both costs and benefits. A systematic search (5 January 2023) of four databases was conducted with no date limits imposed. Methodological and knowledge gaps were identified through a narrative summary. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included. Methodological issues were identified relating to the poor reporting of methods, and measures of effectiveness did not incorporate changes in quantity and/or quality of life (cost-utility analysis in only ten of 18 studies). Included studies, particularly those investigating back or neck complaints, focused on conditions that were of low prevalence but have a serious impact on health (i.e. cervical spine trauma, cancer-related back pain). CONCLUSIONS Future models should pay particular attention to the identified methodological and knowledge gaps. Investment in the health technology assessment of these commonly utilised diagnostic imaging services is needed to justify the current level of utilisation and ensure that these services represent value for money.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Docking
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lan Gao
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Zanfina Ademi
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christian Bonello
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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16
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Rand LZ, Melendez‐Torres GJ, Kesselheim AS. Alternatives to the quality-adjusted life year: How well do they address common criticisms? Health Serv Res 2023; 58:433-444. [PMID: 36537647 PMCID: PMC10012222 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether other outcome measures used in health technology assessment (HTA) address the criticisms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING HTA methods guidance from 11 US comparator countries (the G10 and Australia) and six value frameworks from US organizations were reviewed to identify health outcome measures currently used to evaluate the benefits of a drug. STUDY DESIGN The study involved a documentary analysis of guidelines to identify outcome measures used by the sampled HTA organizations. Similar outcomes were grouped together into outcome types. Each type was analyzed to determine the extent to which it replicates key advantages and responds to criticisms of QALYs extracted from the literature. EXTRACTION METHODS Outcomes were included if guidance from at least one HTA organization identified the outcome as acceptable for HTA. Outcomes measuring or evaluating the benefit, clinical effect, or impact of a drug or health technology was included; methods of calculating costs were excluded. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Seven types of outcome measures were identified falling into three groups: preference-based, single-dimension outcomes, and outcomes using non-health perspectives. Among the seven QALY alternative outcome measures currently used for HTA by the sampled countries, no one outcome measure addresses all the QALY criticisms while retaining the advantageous features of the QALY. CONCLUSIONS Proposals to adopt health technology assessment (HTA) to support value-based pricing of prescription drugs in the US have faced pushback over the use of the QALY. There is no single "right" outcome measure, and the criticisms of QALYs apply to other outcome measures used to evaluate health. The measures identified have different features and strengths, which may be appropriate for specific decision making goals, but the QALY remains the best option for decision making that requires comparisons of the overall societal value of health gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Z. Rand
- The Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Center for BioethicsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - G. J. Melendez‐Torres
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Aaron S. Kesselheim
- The Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Center for BioethicsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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17
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Liu R, Mao Z, Yang Z. Validating the Well-Being of Older People (WOOP) Instrument in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:277. [PMID: 36612595 PMCID: PMC9819892 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures have been used for estimating utility value, which is then used for calculating quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). HRQoL measures may not capture many of the relevant and important non-health aspects of quality of life. The well-being of older people (WOOP) instrument was first developed in the Netherlands. This study aimed to validate this new instrument among older people in China. WOOP was first translated into simplified Chinese (for use in Mainland China) by two experienced translators. From July to August 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 500 older people in Southwestern China. Older people who provided consent reported their demographic information and completed the simplified Chinese version of the WOOP instrument using a pencil and paper. The feasibility of WOOP was determined by the percentage of missing responses. Then, using the data without any missing responses, we examined the item response distributions, pairwise Spearman correlations, underlying factors, and known-group validity of WOOP. Among the nine items of WOOP, three had more than 10% missing responses. The response distributions of the nine items were overall good without signs of ceiling and floor effects. The correlations among the WOOP items were low. A two-factor exploratory factor analysis model suggested that the WOOP items can be categorized into either internal or external well-being items. Good known-group validity results were found. Some WOOP items may not be easily understood by a small proportion of rural residents. However, other results have suggested WOOP to be a valid instrument for measuring the well-being of the elderly in China. The availability of WOOP enables the measurement of well-being-related utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhua Liu
- Department of Health Services Management, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Center of Medicine Economics and Management Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhuxin Mao
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zhihao Yang
- Department of Health Services Management, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Center of Medicine Economics and Management Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
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18
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van Alphen AMIA, van Hof KS, Gravesteijn BY, Krijkamp EM, Bakx PAGM, Langenbach P, Busschbach JJ, Lingsma HF, Baatenburg de Jong RJ. Minimising population health loss in times of scarce surgical capacity: a modelling study for surgical procedures performed in nonacademic hospitals. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1456. [PMID: 36451147 PMCID: PMC9713162 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08854-x] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a reduction of available health care capacity for regular care. To guide prioritisation of semielective surgery in times of scarcity, we previously developed a decision model to quantify the expected health loss due to delay of surgery, in an academic hospital setting. The aim of this study is to validate our decision model in a nonacademic setting and include additional elective surgical procedures. METHODS In this study, we used the previously published three-state cohort state-transition model, to evaluate the health effects of surgery postponement for 28 surgical procedures commonly performed in nonacademic hospitals. Scientific literature and national registries yielded nearly all input parameters, except for the quality of life (QoL) estimates which were obtained from experts using the Delphi method. Two expert panels, one from a single nonacademic hospital and one from different nonacademic hospitals in the Netherlands, were invited to estimate QoL weights. We compared estimated model results (disability adjusted life years (DALY)/month of surgical delay) based on the QoL estimates from the two panels by calculating the mean difference and the correlation between the ranks of the different surgical procedures. The eventual model was based on the combined QoL estimates from both panels. RESULTS Pacemaker implantation was associated with the most DALY/month of surgical delay (0.054 DALY/month, 95% CI: 0.025-0.103) and hemithyreoidectomy with the least DALY/month (0.006 DALY/month, 95% CI: 0.002-0.009). The overall mean difference of QoL estimates between the two panels was 0.005 (95% CI -0.014-0.004). The correlation between ranks was 0.983 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides an overview of incurred health loss due to surgical delay for surgeries frequently performed in nonacademic hospitals. The quality of life estimates currently used in our model are robust and validate towards a different group of experts. These results enrich our earlier published results on academic surgeries and contribute to prioritising a more complete set of surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk M I A van Alphen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Kira S van Hof
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Y Gravesteijn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eline M Krijkamp
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Currently Employed By the Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter A G M Bakx
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Langenbach
- CEO and Chairman of Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Currently Employed By Zilveren Kruis (Achmea) Health Insurance, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J Busschbach
- Department of Medical Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hester F Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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19
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Chew DS, Li Y, Cowper PA, Anstrom KJ, Piccini JP, Poole JE, Daniels MR, Monahan KH, Davidson-Ray L, Bahnson TD, Al-Khalidi HR, Lee KL, Packer DL, Mark DB. Cost-Effectiveness of Catheter Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation: The CABANA Randomized Clinical Trial. Circulation 2022; 146:535-547. [PMID: 35726631 PMCID: PMC9378541 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.058575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the CABANA trial (Catheter Ablation vs Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation), catheter ablation did not significantly reduce the primary end point of death, disabling stroke, serious bleeding, or cardiac arrest compared with drug therapy by intention-to-treat, but did improve the quality of life and freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence. In the heart failure subgroup, ablation improved both survival and quality of life. Cost-effectiveness was a prespecified CABANA secondary end point. METHODS Medical resource use data were collected for all CABANA patients (N=2204). Costs for hospital-based care were assigned using prospectively collected bills from US patients (n=1171); physician and medication costs were assigned using the Medicare Fee Schedule and National Average Drug Acquisition Costs, respectively. Extrapolated life expectancies were estimated using age-based survival models. Quality-of-life adjustments were based on EQ-5D-based utilities measured during the trial. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, comparing ablation with drug therapy on the basis of intention-to-treat, and assessed from the US health care sector perspective. RESULTS Costs in the first 3 months averaged $20 794±SD 1069 higher with ablation compared with drug therapy. The cumulative within-trial 5-year cost difference was $19 245 (95% CI, $11 360-$27 170) and the lifetime mean cost difference was $15 516 (95% CI, -$2963 to $35,512) higher with ablation than with drug therapy. The drug therapy arm accrued an average of 12.5 life-years (LYs) and 10.7 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). For the ablation arm, the corresponding estimates were 12.6 LYs and 11.0 QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $57 893 per QALY gained, with 75% of bootstrap replications yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio <$100 000 per QALY gained. With no quality-of-life/utility adjustments, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $183 318 per LY gained. CONCLUSIONS Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation was economically attractive compared with drug therapy in the CABANA Trial overall at present benchmarks for health care value in the United States on the basis of projected incremental QALYs but not LYs alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek S Chew
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (D.S.C.)
| | - Yanhong Li
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Patricia A Cowper
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Kevin J Anstrom
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (K.J.A., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (K.J.A.)
| | - Jonathan P Piccini
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (J.P.P., T.D.B., D.B.M.)
| | - Jeanne E Poole
- University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (J.E.P.)
| | - Melanie R Daniels
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | - Linda Davidson-Ray
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Tristram D Bahnson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (J.P.P., T.D.B., D.B.M.)
| | - Hussein R Al-Khalidi
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (K.J.A., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L.), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Kerry L Lee
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (K.J.A., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L.), Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | - Daniel B Mark
- Duke Clinical Research Institute (D.S.C., Y.L., P.A.C., K.J.A., J.P.P., M.R.D., L.D.-R., T.D.B., H.R.A.-K., K.L.L., D.B.M.), Duke University, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (J.P.P., T.D.B., D.B.M.)
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