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Benny C, Hobin E, Andreacchi AT, Schwartz N, Smith BT. Socio-economic inequities in emergency department visits for wholly alcohol-attributable acute and chronic harms in Canada, 2003-2017. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:927-936. [PMID: 38388158 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13821] [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] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with low socio-economic position (SEP) experience disproportionate alcohol-attributable harm. Limited research has investigated whether these inequities are driven by alcohol-attributable conditions that are acute or chronic. The study aimed to estimate the sex-specific associations between SEP and incident wholly alcohol-attributable emergency department (ED) visits for acute and chronic harms, respectively. METHODS A cohort study was conducted using the Canadian Community Health Survey (2003-2008) linked to the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (2002-2017) in Alberta and Ontario. SEP was measured using educational attainment. Acute and chronic ED visits were captured in the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System follow-up data. Hazard models were fit to estimate the association between SEP and acute and chronic wholly alcohol-attributable ED visits. RESULTS The analytical sample included 88,865 respondents. In men and women, individuals with lower SEP had increased hazard of acute ED visits (women hazard ratio [HR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.87; men HR 3.47, 95% CI 2.29-5.25) and chronic ED visits (women HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.04-4.80; men HR 5.02, 95% CI 2.88-8.75). Acute and chronic wholly alcohol-attributable ED visit rates were higher in men than women. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings indicated lower SEP was associated with greater harms for both acute and chronic wholly alcohol-attributable ED visits when compared to their higher SEP counterparts. We conclude that gradients in SEP are associated with acute and chronic harms. These results highlight a need for equitable interventions that reduce the absolute burden of inequities in both acute and chronic wholly alcohol-attributable ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin Hobin
- Public Heath Ontario, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alessandra T Andreacchi
- Public Heath Ontario, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Brendan T Smith
- Public Heath Ontario, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Olivieri AV, Muratov S, Larsen S, Luckevich M, Chan K, Lamotte M, Lau DCW. Cost-effectiveness of weight-management pharmacotherapies in Canada: a societal perspective. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024; 48:683-693. [PMID: 38291203 PMCID: PMC11058048 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01467-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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of weight-management pharmacotherapies approved by Canada Health, i.e., orlistat, naltrexone 32 mg/bupropion 360 mg (NB-32), liraglutide 3.0 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg as compared to the current standard of care (SoC). METHODS Analyses were conducted using a cohort with a mean starting age 50 years, body mass index (BMI) 37.5 kg/m2, and 27.6% having type 2 diabetes. Using treatment-specific changes in surrogate endpoints from the STEP trials (BMI, glycemic, blood pressure, lipids), besides a network meta-analysis, the occurrence of weight-related complications, costs, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were projected over lifetime. RESULTS From a societal perspective, at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of CAD 50 000 per QALY, semaglutide 2.4 mg was the most cost-effective treatment, at an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of CAD 31 243 and CAD 29 014 per QALY gained versus the next best alternative, i.e., orlistat, and SoC, respectively. Semaglutide 2.4 mg extendedly dominated other pharmacotherapies such as NB-32 or liraglutide 3.0 mg and remained cost-effective both under a public and private payer perspective. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses varying post-treatment catch-up rates, longer treatment durations and using real-world cohort characteristics. Semaglutide 2.4 mg was the preferred intervention, with a likelihood of 70% at a WTP threshold of CAD 50 000 per QALY gained. However, when the modeled benefits of weight-loss on cancer, mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) or osteoarthritis surgeries were removed simultaneously, orlistat emerged as the best value for money compared with SoC, with an ICUR of CAD 35 723 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION Semaglutide 2.4 mg was the most cost-effective treatment alternative compared with D&E or orlistat alone, and extendedly dominated other pharmacotherapies such as NB-32 or liraglutide 3.0 mg. Results were sensitive to the inclusion of the combined benefits of mortality, cancer, CVD, and knee osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David C W Lau
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Souris KJ, Pfiester E, Thieffry A, Chen Y, Braune K, Kapil Bhargava M, Samra R, Gómez P, O'Donnell S. Out-of-pocket expenses and rationing of insulin and diabetes supplies: findings from the 2022 T1International cross-sectional web-based survey. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2024; 5:1293882. [PMID: 38711747 PMCID: PMC11070566 DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1293882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Continue investigating Out-of-Pocket Expenses (OoPEs) and rationing of insulin and diabetes supplies, including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in English and advertised by T1International's global network of patient advocates from May through September 2022. Participants provided monthly OoPEs and rationing frequency for insulin and supplies, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and open-ended comments. Results In the seven most represented countries, mean monthly OoPEs were highest in the United States, followed by Panama, Canada, and India, and were much lower in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden. OoPEs were highest for participants with partial healthcare coverage, followed by those with no healthcare coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted access and/or affordability of insulin and/or supplies for over half of participants. Globally, 19.5% reported insulin rationing and 36.6% reported rationing glucose testing supplies. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses identified themes such as 'mental health impacts' and 'limits to life choices.' Discussion High OoPEs lead to rationing of insulin and supplies for many people with T1D globally. Healthcare systems improvements and price reductions of insulin and supplies are needed to ensure adequate, equitable access for all.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanbing Chen
- Applied Aviation Sciences Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, FL, United States
| | - Katarina Braune
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Shane O'Donnell
- School of Sociology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Wang Q, Liu S, Nie Z, Zhu Z, Fu Y, Zhang J, Wei X, Yang L, Wei X. The pan-Canadian Tiered Pricing Framework and Chinese National Volume-Based Procurement: A comparative study using Donabedian's structure-process-outcome framework. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04137. [PMID: 37947028 PMCID: PMC10636597 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Generic drugs have been seen as a potentially powerful way to alleviate the financial burden on patients and health care systems. Two strategies for achieving rational prices of generic drugs are tiered pricing framework and pooled purchasing power. We compare the pan-Canadian Tiered Pricing Framework (TPF) and the Chinese National Volume-Based Procurement (NVBP) as comparators to explore the similarities and differences between the two mechanisms and summarise lessons for other jurisdictions. Methods This comparative study applies Donabedian's structure-process-outcome framework to systematically analyse the macro contexts, procedures, and long- and short-term results of each pricing mechanism, and the interactions between them. Results Structure: TPF is an upstream initiative aimed at lowering the prices of generic drugs and increasing coverage and price consistency. NVBP is a downstream national initiative prioritised for reducing drug prices to achieve value-based purchasing. Process: By associating the number of manufacturers with price cuts, TPF leaves the choice to manufacturers to decide if they want to enter a specific market. In contrast, the Chinese government determines NVBP list and has the authority to choose manufacturer(s) with the lowest price(s). TPF provides clear price information to potential suppliers with unclear order quantity. The NVBP drug price is determined by tendering, while procurement volume is clear and massive. Outcome: The effectiveness of TPF and NVBP is similar, with both achieving a 53% price cut. Both TPF and NVBP experienced efficiency improvement since their establishment, with 98 and 86 drugs priced per year. By comparing 60 drugs covered by both programmes, the NVBP price is 57% of that of the TPF counterpart on average (1.1 to 301.6%), by purchase power parity. Conclusions The tiered pricing scheme is feasible in regions with a stable and mature pharmaceutical market, typically seen in high-income countries, while tendering is more workable in low- and middle-income countries where the pharmaceutical market is weak and unstable. Experience in the two countries shows that a coordinated pricing mechanism involves many piecemeal interactive problems, which a sophisticated system with a robust long-range plan may address better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Siqi Liu
- Center of Health System and Policy, Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhijie Nie
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqun Fu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Wei
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, England, UK
| | - Li Yang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wei
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mountain R, Kim D, Johnson KM. Budget impact analysis of adopting primary care-based case detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Canadian general population. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E1048-E1058. [PMID: 37935489 PMCID: PMC10635706 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20230023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 70% of Canadians with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have not received a diagnosis, creating a barrier to early intervention, and there is growing interest in the value of primary care-based opportunistic case detection for COPD. We sought to build on a previous cost-effectiveness analysis by evaluating the budget impact of adopting COPD case detection in the Canadian general population. METHODS We used a validated discrete-event microsimulation model of COPD in the Canadian general population aged 40 years and older to assess the costs of implementing 8 primary care-based case detection strategies over 5 years (2022-2026) from the health care payer perspective. Strategies varied in eligibility criteria (based on age, symptoms or smoking history) and testing technology (COPD Diagnostic Questionnaire [CDQ] or screening spirometry). Costs were determined from Canadian studies and converted to 2021 Canadian dollars. Key parameters were varied in one-way sensitivity analysis. RESULTS All strategies resulted in higher total costs compared with routine diagnosis. The most cost-effective scenario (the CDQ for all patients) had an associated total budget expansion of $423 million, with administering case detection and subsequent diagnostic spirometry accounting for 86% of costs. This strategy increased the proportion of individuals diagnosed with COPD from 30.4% to 37.8%, and resulted in 4.6 million referrals to diagnostic spirometry. Results were most sensitive to uptake in primary care. INTERPRETATION Adopting a national COPD case detection program would be an effective method for increasing diagnosis of COPD, dependent on successful uptake. However, it will require prioritisation by budget holders and substantial additional investment to improve access to diagnostic spirometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Mountain
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mountain, Johnson), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics (Mountain), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK; Faculty of Medicine (Kim) and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (Johnson), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Dexter Kim
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mountain, Johnson), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics (Mountain), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK; Faculty of Medicine (Kim) and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (Johnson), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Kate M Johnson
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mountain, Johnson), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics (Mountain), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK; Faculty of Medicine (Kim) and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (Johnson), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Averbuch T, Esfahani M, Khatib R, Kayima J, Miranda JJ, Wadhera RK, Zannad F, Pandey A, Van Spall HGC. Pharmaco-disparities in heart failure: a survey of the affordability of guideline recommended therapy in 10 countries. ESC Heart Fail 2023; 10:3152-3163. [PMID: 37646297 PMCID: PMC10567666 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14468] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is treatable but guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) may not be affordable or accessible to people living with the disease. METHODS AND RESULTS In this cross-sectional survey, we investigated the price, affordability, and accessibility of four pivotal classes of HFrEF GDMT: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI); beta-blockers; mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA); and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). We sampled online or community pharmacies in 10 countries across a range of World Bank income groups, assessing mean 30 day retail prescription prices, affordability relative to gross national income per capita per month, and accessibility. We reported median price ratios relative to the International Reference Standard. We performed a literature review to evaluate accessibility to GDMT classes through publicly funded drug programmes in each country. HFrEF GDMT prices, both absolute and relative to the international reference, were highest in the United States and lowest in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The most expensive drug was the ARNI, sacubitril/valsartan, with a mean (standard deviation, SD) 30 day price ranging from $11.06 (0.81) in Pakistan to $611.50 (3.54) in United States. The least expensive drug was the MRA, spironolactone, with a mean (SD) 30 day price ranging from $0.18 (0.00) in Pakistan to $12.32 (0.00) in England. Affordability (SD) of quadruple therapy-ARNI, beta-blockers, MRA, and SGLT2i-was best in high-income and worst in low-income countries, ranging from 1.49 (0.00)% of gross national income per capita per month in England to 232.47 (31.47)% in Uganda. Publicly funded drug programmes offset costs for eligible patients, but ARNI and SGLT2i were inaccessible through these programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Price, affordability, and access were substantially improved in all countries by substituting ARNI for ACEi/ARB. CONCLUSIONS There was marked variation between countries in the retail price of HFrEF GDMT. Despite higher prices in high-income countries, GDMT was more accessible and affordable than in low- and middle-income countries. Publicly funded drug programmes in lower income countries increased affordability but limited access to newer HFrEF GDMT classes. Pharmaco-disparities must be addressed to improve HFrEF outcomes globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauben Averbuch
- Department of MedicineMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Meisam Esfahani
- Department of MedicineMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and ImpactMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Rani Khatib
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic MedicineUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
- Department of CardiologyLeeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustLeedsUK
| | - James Kayima
- Department of MedicineMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
- Department of CardiologyUganda Heart InstituteKampalaUganda
| | - Juan Jaime Miranda
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversidad Peruana Cayetano HerediaLimaPeru
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano HerediaLimaPeru
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rishi K. Wadhera
- Section of Health Policy and Equity at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes ResearchBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Faiez Zannad
- Department of Cardiovascular DiseaseUniversity of LorraineVandoeuvre‐Les‐NancyFrance
| | - Ambarish Pandey
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Texas SouthwesternDallasTexasUSA
| | - Harriette G. C. Van Spall
- Department of MedicineMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and ImpactMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
- Research Institute of St. Joseph'sHamiltonOntarioCanada
- Population Health Research InstituteHamiltonOntarioCanada
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Hogan DB, Campitelli MA, Bronskill SE, Iaboni A, Barry HE, Hughes CM, Gill SS, Maxwell CJ. Trends and correlates of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine and/or gabapentinoid use among Ontario nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023. [PMID: 36942992 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A concern with long-term opioid use is the increased risk arising when opioids are used concurrently with drugs that can potentiate their associated adverse effects. The drugs most often encountered are benzodiazepines (BZDs) and gabapentinoids. Our study objectives were to examine trends in the concurrent use of opioids and BZDs, or gabapentinoids, in a Canadian nursing home population over an 11-year period, and current resident-level correlates of this concurrent use. METHODS We conducted a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study among Ontario nursing home residents (>65 years) dispensed opioids between April 2009 and February 2020. For the last study year, we examined cross-sectional associations between resident characteristics and concurrent use of opioids with BZDs or gabapentinoids. Linked data on nursing home residents from clinical and health administrative databases was used. The yearly proportions of residents who were dispensed an opioid concurrently with a BZD or gabapentinoid were plotted with percent change derived from log-binomial regression models. Separate modified Poisson regression models estimated resident-level correlates of concurrent use of opioids with BZDs or gabapentinoids. RESULTS Over the study period, among residents dispensed an opioid there was a 53.2% relative decrease (30.7% to 14.4%) in concurrent BZD and a 505.4% relative increase (4.4% to 26.6%) in concurrent gabapentinoid use. In adjusted models, increasing age and worsening cognition were inversely associated with the concurrent use of both classes, but most other significantly related covariates were unique to each drug class (e.g., sex and anxiety disorders for BZD, pain severity and presence of pain-related conditions for gabapentinoids). CONCLUSIONS Co-administration of BZDs or gabapentinoids in Ontario nursing home residents dispensed opioids remains common, but the pattern of co-use has changed over time. Observed covariates of concurrent use in 2019/20 suggest distinct but overlapping resident populations requiring consideration of the relative risks versus benefits of this co-use and monitoring for potential harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Hogan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Susan E Bronskill
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Iaboni
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather E Barry
- School of Pharmacy, Primary Care Research Group, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Carmel M Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Primary Care Research Group, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Sudeep S Gill
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen J Maxwell
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Lexchin J. After More Than 50 Years, Pharmacare (and Dental Care) are Coming to Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 52:341-346. [PMID: 35535406 PMCID: PMC9203667 DOI: 10.1177/00207314221100654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In March 2022, the New Democratic Party (NDP), Canada's social democratic party, and the centrist Liberal government signed a supply and confidence agreement. In return for the NDP agreeing to vote with the government on all crucial issues until June 2025, the Liberals pledged to bring in both pharmacare and dental care programs. Pharmacare, universal public insurance coverage for prescription drugs, had been promised for more than 50 years but never implemented, while public dental care was an almost completely neglected issue. This article explains the long genesis of pharmacare, the need for public dental care, and the political circumstances that led to the agreement. However, at this point, details about both plans are largely absent. As a result, how well those plans will serve the needs of Canadians is yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Lexchin
- School of Health Policy and Management, 7991York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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MacPhail C, Snow S. Not All Canadian Cancer Patients Are Equal—Disparities in Public Cancer Drug Funding across Canada. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:2064-2072. [PMID: 35323366 PMCID: PMC8947051 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29030166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canada lacks a national drug insurance plan. The home province or territory of a patient determines which cancer drugs are available on the public formulary, who is eligible for public coverage and what portion of the financial burden of cancer care falls to the individual. This narrative review describes the current interprovincial disparities in access to cancer drugs across Canada. Health technology assessment (HTA) of drugs at a provincial and territory level is a closed process, does not necessarily follow the recommendations of national HTA and leads to further delays in drug access. The public coverage of take-home cancer drugs (THCDs) in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces is often fragmented, unnecessarily complex and a barrier to cancer drug access. Policy solutions to address inter-provincial formulary variation and poor access to THCDs are discussed.
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Ahmad A, Abbas M, Miregwa B, Holbrook AM. Variability in Prescription Medication Coverage for Children and Youth Across Canada: A Scoping Review. Health Policy 2022; 126:269-279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Wrzal PK, Mohseni AA, Fournier C, Goldenberg R, Hollahan D, Jin S, Pedersen SD, Vallis M, Bunko A, Myageri V, Kukaswadia A, Neish CS, Ivers NM. Persons With Diabetes and General/Family Practitioner Perspectives Related to Therapeutic Inertia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Qualitative Focus Groups and the Theoretical Domains Framework: Results From the MOTION Study. Can J Diabetes 2021; 46:171-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Holbrook AM, Wang M, Lee M, Chen Z, Garcia M, Nguyen L, Ford A, Manji S, Law MR. Cost-related medication nonadherence in Canada: a systematic review of prevalence, predictors, and clinical impact. Syst Rev 2021; 10:11. [PMID: 33407875 PMCID: PMC7788798 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-related nonadherence to medications (CRNA) is common in many countries and thought to be associated with adverse outcomes. The characteristics of CRNA in Canada, with its patchwork coverage of increasingly expensive medications, are unclear. OBJECTIVES Our objective in this systematic review was to summarize the literature evaluating CRNA in Canada in three domains: prevalence, predictors, and effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from 1992 to December 2019 using search terms covering medication adherence, costs, and Canada. Eligible studies, without restriction on design, had to have original data on at least one of the three domains specifically for Canadian participants. Articles were identified and reviewed in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed using design-specific tools. RESULTS Twenty-six studies of varying quality (n = 483,065 Canadians) were eligible for inclusion. Sixteen studies reported on the overall prevalence of CRNA, with population-based estimates ranging from 5.1 to 10.2%. Factors predicting CRNA included high out-of-pocket spending, low income or financial flexibility, lack of drug insurance, younger age, and poorer health. A single randomized trial of free essential medications with free delivery in Ontario improved adherence but did not find any change in clinical outcomes at 1 year. CONCLUSION CRNA affects many Canadians. The estimated percentage depends on the sampling frame, the main predictors tend to be financial, and its association with clinical outcomes in Canada remains unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Holbrook
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Munil Lee
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Garcia
- Bachelor of Health Studies Program, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Nguyen
- Bachelor of Health Sciences Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Ford
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Selina Manji
- Global Health Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michael R Law
- The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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