A Review of Current Approaches to Evaluating and Reimbursing New Medicines in a Subset of OECD Countries

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to review the current evaluation and funding processes for new drugs in different developed countries, to provide a comparative framework with detailed, homogeneous, and up-to-date information.

METHODS

Scientific publications, reports and websites were reviewed between July and December 2021 using PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. The main items searched were actors and processes, including timelines, characteristics of clinical and economic evaluations, participation of stakeholders, elements of price and reimbursement decisions, cost-effectiveness thresholds and specific funds. The analysed 13 countries were Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Spain and Sweden.

RESULTS

Eight countries perform the assessment process separated from the pricing decision. Countries measure each drug's added therapeutic value through multi-attribute value scales, algorithms, non-prescriptive lists of criteria, or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Health technology assessment (HTA) methodologies differ in their outcome measures, elicitation techniques, comparators, and perspectives. The criteria used for pricing and reimbursement include humanistic, clinical, and economic aspects. Only Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Canada and Portugal use explicit efficiency thresholds. Health care professionals participate in all assessment committees, and patients are becoming increasingly involved in most countries. The official time from marketing authorisation to the completion of the evaluation and pricing processes varied from 126 to 540 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Most analysed countries show a trend towards value-based approaches that consider value for money to society, but also other economic, clinical, and humanistic criteria. Good practices included robustness, transparency, independence, and participation.

Cost-effectiveness of the CNIC-Polypill versus separate monocomponents in cardiovascular secondary prevention in Spain

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Despite advances in treatment, cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Spain. The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of the CNIC-Polypill strategy (acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg, atorvastatin 20/40 mg, ramipril 2.5/5/10 mg) compared with the same separate monocomponents for the secondary prevention of recurrent cardiovascular events in adults in Spain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Markov cost-utility model was adapted considering 4 health states (stable, subsequent major adverse cardiovascular event, subsequent ischemic stroke and death) and the SMART risk equation over a lifetime horizon from the perspective of the Spanish National Healthcare System. The CNIC-Polypill strategy was compared with monocomponents in a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 secondary prevention patients. The NEPTUNO study, official databases, and the literature were reviewed to identify effectiveness, epidemiological, costs and utility data. Outcomes were costs (in 2021 euros) per life-year (LY) and quality-adjusted LY (QALY) gained. A 3% discount rate was applied. Deterministic one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses evaluated the robustness of the model.

RESULTS

The CNIC-Polypill strategy in secondary prevention results in more LY (13.22) and QALY (11.64) gains at a lower cost than monocomponents. The CNIC-Polypill is dominant and saves є280.68 per patient compared with monocomponents. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis shows that 82.4% of the simulations are below the threshold of є25,000 per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

The CNIC-Polypill strategy in secondary cardiovascular prevention is cost-effective compared with the same separate monocomponents, resulting in a cost-saving strategy to the Spanish National Healthcare System.

The social value of a PASI 90 or PASI 100 response in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Spain

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic disease involving the skin, which significantly impacts the quality of life. Disease severity and treatment efficacy (i.e., response) are assessed through the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). A PASI 75 response, i.e., an improvement of at least 75% with respect to the baseline PASI score, has traditionally been used as a therapeutic benchmark in clinical trials. Therapeutic advances have made PASI 90 or PASI 100 responses possible in most patients treated with some biologics. A greater response may generate social value beyond clinical outcomes that would benefit both patients and society.

Methods

A 1-year economic model was applied to estimate the impact of having a PASI 75, PASI 90, or PASI 100 response in four areas of analysis (quality of life, activities of daily living, work productivity, and out-of-pocket expenditures) and the social value of having a PASI 90 or PASI 100 response in comparison with a PASI 75 response. A mixed-methods approach based on the scientific literature, a focus group with patient, and an advisory committee with psoriasis stakeholders was used. The model included three different scenarios: having a PASI 90 vs a PASI 75 response; a PASI 100 vs a PASI 90 response; and a PASI 100 vs a PASI 75 response. A sensitivity analysis was included.

Results

The annual economic impact per patient with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis having a PASI 75 response was estimated at Ł 6,139, mainly related to labour productivity losses and quality of life reductions. Having a PASI 90 or a PASI 100 response would reduce this impact to €3,956 or €1,353, respectively. Accordingly, the social value of having a PASI 90 instead of a PASI 75 response was estimated at €2,183, and €4,786 with a PASI 100 response.

Discussion

A PASI 90 or PASI 100 response would have a lower economic impact and a greater social value than a PASI 75 response for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Optimising the management of patients with multiple myeloma in Spain: A measurement of the social return on investment

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus on a set of proposals to optimise the disease management of Multiple myeloma (MM) within the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and to apply the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method to estimate their social impact.

METHODS

A Multidisciplinary Working Team (MWT) including MM main stakeholders was organised. A survey was administered to gather information from patients regarding the impact of MM on different life domains. A forecast-type SROI analysis, with a 1-year timeframe, was applied.

RESULTS

Fifteen proposals were selected, to optimise MM management, including actions for early diagnosis, psychological support, improvement of information for patients and quick access to palliative care, among others. The implementation of these proposals would benefit patients, their informal caregivers and the SNHS. The investment required would amount to 10.32 million euros with a social return of 43.31 million euros: 4.2 euros for each euro invested. According to the sensitivity analysis, this ratio could range from 3.38 to 5.20 euros from the worst to the best-case scenario.

CONCLUSIONS

The current management of MM could be optimised by implementing a set of proposals that would most likely result in an overall positive social return.

A Social Return on Investment Analysis of Improving the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Within the Spanish National Healthcare System

Purpose

To define a set of proposals that would improve the current management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within the Spanish National Healthcare System (SNHS) from a comprehensive multidisciplinary perspective and to assess the impact of its implementation from clinical, healthcare, economic, and social perspectives.

Patients and Methods

A group of 20 stakeholders related to COPD (healthcare professionals, patients, and informal caregivers, among others) participated in an online Delphi process to agree on a set of 15 proposals that would improve the current management of COPD within the SNHS in four areas: diagnosis, risk stratification, management of exacerbations, and management of stable COPD. A one-year forecast-type social return on investment (SROI) analysis was used to estimate the impact that implementing the set of proposals would have in relation to the investment required. A sensitivity analysis was used to test the strength of the model when varying assumption-based data-points.

Results

The hypothetical implementation of the complete set of 15 proposals would require a €668 million investment and would generate a €2079 million social impact concerning savings for the SNHS and quality of life improvements for patients and their informal caregivers, among others. Accordingly, for every euro invested in the set of proposals, a social return of €3.11 would be generated (€2.71 in the worst-case scenario and €3.62 in the best-case scenario) of both tangible (32.56%) and intangible nature (67.44%).

Conclusion

Altogether, implementing this set of 15 proposals would generate a positive social impact, threefold the required investment. The results may inform decisions relative to healthcare policy and practice regarding COPD management within the SNHS, further contributing to reduce the large burden of COPD.

The economic burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Spain

Background

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare, debilitating, and potentially fatal disease. This study aims to quantify the economic burden of PAH in Spain.

Methods

The study was conducted from a societal perspective, including direct and indirect costs associated with incident and prevalent patients. Average annual costs per patient were estimated by multiplying the number of resources consumed by their unit cost, differentiating the functional class (FC) of the patient. Total annual costs per FC were also calculated, taking the 2020 prevalence and incidence ranges into account. An expert committee validated the information on resource consumption and provided primary information on pharmacological consumption. Unit costs were estimated using official tariffs and salaries in Spain. A deterministic sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the uncertainty of the model.

Results

The average annual total cost was estimated at €98,839 per prevalent patient (FC I-II: €65,233; FC III: €103,736; FC IV: €208,821), being €42,110 for incident patients (FC I-II: €25,666; FC III: €44,667; FC IV: €95,188). The total annual cost of PAH in Spain, taking into account a prevalence between 16.0 and 25.9 cases per million adult inhabitants (FC I-II 31.8%; FC III 61.3%; FC IV 6.9%) and an incidence of 3.7, was estimated at €67,891,405 to €106,131,626, depending on the prevalence considered. Direct healthcare costs accounted for 64% of the total cost, followed by indirect costs (24%), and direct non-healthcare costs (12%). The total costs associated with patients in FC I-II ranged between €14,161,651 and €22,193,954, while for patients in FC III costs ranged between €43,763,019 and €68,391,651, and for patients in FC IV between €9,966,735 and €15,546,021. In global terms, patients with the worst functional status (FC IV) account for only 6.9% of the adults suffering from PAH in Spain, but are responsible for 14.7% of the total costs.

Conclusions

PAH places a considerable economic burden on patients and their families, the healthcare system, and society as a whole. Efforts must be made to improve the health and management of these patients since the early stages of the disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-022-01906-2.

The impact of improving haemophilia A management within the Spanish National Healthcare System: a social return on investment analysis

BACKGROUND

Haemophilia A (HA) has been associated with poor health-related quality of life and a large economic burden, accentuated by severity, arthropathy, and inhibitors. To meet global standards of care, the management of HA should align with the principles of care outlined by the World Federation of Haemophilia. The aims of the present study were to establish a set of proposals to improve HA management within the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and to estimate the impact its hypothetical implementation would generate from a clinical, healthcare, economic, and social perspective.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of experts agreed on a set of 15 proposals to improve HA management within the SNHS. Thereafter, a forecast-type Social Return on Investment analysis was carried out to estimate the impact of implementing this set of proposals within the SNHS over a one-year timeframe, in relation to the required investment.

RESULTS

This study estimated that the implementation of the complete set of 15 proposals would require a total investment of 2.34 M€ and have a total impact of 14.60 M€. Accordingly, every euro invested in the complete set of 15 proposals would yield a social return of €6.23 (€3.37 in the worst-case scenario and €9.69 in the best-case scenario) of both tangible and intangible nature in similar proportions (45.71 and 54.29%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results can be used to inform policy and practice such that interventions that may potentially improve current public health challenges associated with the management of HA may be implemented.

Improving rheumatoid arthritis management within the Spanish National Health System: a social return on investment study

OBJECTIVES

To define a set of proposals that would improve the current management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) within the Spanish National Health System (SNHS), and to estimate the impact of their implementation from a social perspective.

METHODS

A one-year forecast-type Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was performed on the basis of information collected from a scientific literature review, official data, and multiple stakeholders regarding RA. A sub-analysis was performed within the areas of diagnosis, early RA (<2 years from diagnosis), and established RA (≥2 years from diagnosis).

RESULTS

Stakeholders agreed on a set of 22 proposals, which included incorporating specialised nursing, addressing adherence issues, providing psychological support, or promoting the role of patient associations, among others. Their implementation would require an investment of 289 million euros and yield a social return of 913 million euros, i.e. a social return of 3.16 euros per euro invested (2.92 euros in the worst-case scenario and 3.40 euros in the best-case scenario). The greatest social return relative to investment and the greatest attributed to intangible aspects were observed within the area of early RA.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based recommendations for the management of RA are aspirational. Nevertheless, the present study estimated that the implementation of the set of proposals would result in a positive impact relative to the investment needed to implement them. The results may guide management decisions to reduce the burden associated with RA, and help bridge the gap between evidence-based recommendations and routine clinical practice.

THU0548 THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS IN SPAIN. RESULTS OF THE SPANISH ATLAS 2017

Background:

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a disease associated with a high number of comorbidities, chronic pain, functional disability, and resource consumption.

Objectives:

This study aimed to estimate the burden of disease for patients diagnosed with AS in Spain.

Methods:

Data from 578 unselected patients with AS were collected in 2016 for the Spanish Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis via an online survey. The estimated costs were: Direct Health Care Costs (borne by the National Health System, NHS) and Direct Non-Health Care Costs (borne by patients) were estimated with the bottom-up method, multiplying the resource consumption by the unit price of each resource. Indirect Costs (labour productivity losses) were estimated using the human capital method. Costs were compared between levels of disease activity using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score (<4 or low inflammation versus ≥4 or high inflammation) and risk of mental distress using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) score (<3 or low risk versus ≥3 or high risk).

Results:

The average annual cost per patient with AS in 2015 amounted to €11,462.3 (± 13,745.5) per patient. Direct Health Care Cost meant an annual average of €6,999.8 (± 9,216.8) per patient, to which an annual average of €611.3 (± 1,276.5) per patient associated with Direct Non-Health Care Cost borne by patients must be added. Pharmacological treatment accounted for the largest percentage of the costs borne by the NHS (64.6%), while for patients most of the cost was attributed to rehabilitative therapies and/or physical activity (91%). The average annual Indirect Costs derived from labour productivity losses were €3,851.2 (± 8,484.0) per patient, mainly associated to absenteeism. All categories showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between BASDAI groups (<4 vs ≥4) except for the Direct Non-Healthcare Cost, showing a progressive rise in cost from low to high inflammation. Regarding the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), all categories showed statistically significant differences between GHQ-12 (<3 vs ≥3), with higher costs associated with higher risk of poor mental health (Table 1).

Table 1.

Average annual costs per patient according to BASDAI and GHQ-12 groups (in Euros, 2015)

NDirect Health CostsDirect Non-Health CostsIndirect CostsTotal CostBASDAI<4917,592.0*557.32,426.5*10,575.8*≥43769,706.9*768.05,104.8*15,579.7*Psychological distress (GHQ-12)<31468,146.8*493.6*3,927.2*12,567.6*≥32609,772.9*807.2*4,512.3*15,092.5*Total5786,999.8611.33,851.211,462.3

* p <0.05

Conclusion:

Direct Health Care Costs, and those attributed to pharmacological treatment in particular, accounted for the largest component of the cost associated with AS. However, a significant proportion of the overall costs can be further attributed to labour productivity losses.

Acknowledgments:

Funded by Novartis Farmacéutica S.A.

Disclosure of Interests:

María Merino: None declared, Olta Braçe: None declared, Almudena González: None declared, Álvaro Hidalgo-Vega: None declared, Marco Garrido-Cumbrera: None declared, Jordi Gratacos-Masmitja Grant/research support from: a grant from Pfizzer to study implementation of multidisciplinary units to manage PSA in SPAIN, Consultant of: Pfizzer, MSD, ABBVIE, Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Lilly, Speakers bureau: Pfizzer, MSD, ABBVIE, Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Lilly

Social value of a set of proposals for the ideal approach of multiple sclerosis within the Spanish National Health System: a social return on investment study

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease that in many cases produces disability, having a high impact in patients' lives, reducing significantly their quality of life. The aim of this study was to agree on a set of proposals to improve the current management of MS within the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and apply the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method to measure the potential social impact these proposals would create.

METHODS

A Multidisciplinary Working Team of nine experts, with representation from the main stakeholders regarding MS, was set up to agree on a set of proposals to improve the management of MS. A forecast SROI analysis was carried out, with a one-year timeframe. Data sources included an expert consultation, a narrative literature review and a survey to 532 MS patients. We estimated the required investment of a hypothetical implementation, as well as the potential social value that it could create. We calculated outcomes in monetary units and we measured intangible outcomes through financial proxies.

RESULTS

The proposed ideal approach revealed that there are still unmet needs related to MS that can be addressed within the SNHS. Investment would amount to 148 million € and social return to 272 million €, so each euro invested could yield almost €2 of social return.

CONCLUSIONS

This study could guide health interventions, resulting in money savings for the SNHS and increases in patients' quality of life.

Health-related quality of life of patients diagnosed with COPD in Extremadura, Spain: results from an observational study

BACKGROUND

COPD is a high prevalence chronic disease that involves large reductions of health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients. This study aims to describe the HRQL of patients with COPD in Extremadura (Spain).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional observational study carried out using a representative sample of patients diagnosed with COPD in Extremadura. The inclusion criteria were patients of legal age, diagnosed with COPD at least 12 months prior to the visit, residing in Extremadura, with electronic medical records available for the 12 months prior to the visit and providing informed consent. The intervention aimed to elicit HRQL indicators obtained from two validated questionnaires: EuroQol - 5 Dimensions - 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire-COPD (SGRQ-C). The main outcome measures were general HRQL (utility and visual analogue scale) and specific quality of life of COPD patients (total score and three component scores: Symptoms, Activity, and Impacts). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was applied to evaluate the association of EQ-5D-5L and SGRQ-C with respect to clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients.

RESULTS

We recruited 386 patients (mean age 71.8 ± 10.3 years, 76.2% males). In the EQ-5D-5L, participants reported greater problems with respect to mobility (56.5%) and pain/discomfort (48.2%). The mean utility was 0.72 ± 0.31, and the SGRQ-C total score was 40.9 ± 25.0. The results of both questionnaires were associated with number of exacerbations in the last 12 months, level of COPD severity, gender, and education level of the patient (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results for both utility and total SGRQ-C score indicate that having suffered exacerbations in the last year, presenting a higher level of severity, being a woman, and having a low education level are related to worse HRQL in patients with COPD.

The Economic Influence of Breastfeeding on the Health Cost of Newborns

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings.

RESEARCH AIM

This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns.

METHODS

We designed a longitudinal two-group observational study that included healthy women and newborns ( N = 236) in Toledo, Spain. Over the first 6-months of the infants' lives, we reviewed their clinical histories to determine their consumption of healthcare resources and the type of nutrition provided. The sample was categorized into two groups: exclusive breastfeeding ( n = 46) and non-exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months ( n = 190). Two-part regression models were applied to determine whether there were differences in healthcare costs between the groups.

RESULTS

The average age of the women was 32 ( SD: 5.3). The average birth weight of the newborns was 3.3 kg. ( SD: 0.38). At 6 months, 19.5% ( n = 46) of the women breastfed exclusively, 28.4% ( n = 67) combined breastfeeding with formula, and 45.8% ( n = 108) used formula only. Healthcare costs during follow-up reached €785.58 (44% for specialized care, 42% for primary care, 9.8% for medical emergencies, 3% for medications and approximately 1% for medical tests). The statistical analysis estimated a lower healthcare cost of between €454.40 and €503.50 for exclusively breastfed newborns.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding generated savings in healthcare costs; therefore, it could be a cost-efficient option compared with alternatives. Researchers who evaluate the efficiency of strategies that promote breastfeeding can contribute to the sustainability of health services.

[Tools to improve efficiency in the clinical management of hypertensive patients]

OBJECTIVE

To create a tool to evaluate the efficiency of the clinical management of hypertensive patients in Primary Care.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A web-based questionnaire was designed for Primary Care centres to self-evaluate the management of hypertension in five specific areas: information systems, diagnostic and analytical tests, organisational aspects, use of resources, and continuous training programmes for patients and healthcare professionals. A committee of experts previously defined these questions and their ideal responses or "control", based on the scientific literature or, if there were no published references, by consensus of the committee. A descriptive analysis was performed on the data, and an adherence score was created that ranged from 0 (no adherence) to 1 (total adherence).

RESULTS

A total of 35 Primary Care centres entered their data into the website for the clinical management of hypertensive patients. The highest adherence to the ideal algorithm was observed in the area "Diagnostic and analytical tests" (0.69±0.10), and the lowest in "Continuous training programmes for patients and professionals" (0.42±0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficiency of clinical management in hypertensive patients can be analysed using the website tool created for this purpose. Its use allows an internal audit to detect the areas that need improvement, and also serves to make comparative evaluations in the different areas of management over time.

The economic burden of disease of epithelial ovarian cancer in Spain: the OvarCost study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the economic burden of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in incident patients and the burden by disease stage in Spain.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model from a social perspective simulating the natural history of EOC and its four stages, with a 10-year time horizon, 3-week cycles, 3% discount rate, and 2016 euros. Healthcare resource utilization and costs were estimated by disease stage. Direct healthcare costs (DHC) included early screening, genetic counselling, medical visits, diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy, hospitalizations, emergency services, and palliative care. Direct non-healthcare costs (DNHC) included formal and informal care. Indirect costs (IC) included labour productivity losses due to temporary and permanent leaves, and premature death. Epidemiology data and resource use were taken from the literature and validated for Spain by the OvarCost group using a Delphi method.

RESULTS

The total burden of EOC over 10 years was 3102 mill euros: 15.1% in stage I, 3.9% in stage II, 41.0% in stage III, and 40.2% in stage IV. Annual average cost/patient was €24,111 and it was €8,641; €14,184; €33,858, and €42,547 in stages I-IV, respectively. Of total costs, 71.2% were due to DHC, 24.7% to DNHC, and 4.1% to IC.

CONCLUSIONS

EOC imposes a significant economic burden on the national healthcare system and society in Spain. Investment in better early diagnosis techniques might increase survival and patients' quality of life. This would likely reduce costs derived from late stages, consequently leading to a substantial reduction of the economic burden associated with EOC.

Multi-Indication Pricing: Nice in Theory but Can it Work in Practice?

For medicines with different valued indications (uses), multi-indication pricing implies charging different prices for different uses. In this article, we assess how multi-indication pricing could help achieve overall strategic objectives of pricing controls, summarise its advantages and disadvantages (vs. uniform pricing) and estimate the hypothetical impact on prices of moving towards multi-indication pricing for specific oncologic medicines in Spain. International experience shows that multi-indication pricing can be implemented in real practice, and indeed a few initiatives are currently in use, albeit mostly applied indirectly through confidential pricing agreements that offer a way to discriminate prices across countries without altering list prices. However, some more sophisticated systems are in place in Italy, and more recently in Spain, where the objective is to monitor usage per patient/indication, and ultimately pay for outcomes. Based on the existing experience, we also outline six conditions required for multi-indication pricing. Multi-indication pricing is a useful tool to determine the relative prices of a drug for multiple (different-valued) indications, but by itself will not offer the 'solution' to what the absolute price should be. That will be driven, among other things, by cost-effectiveness thresholds, if they exist. Overall, we argue multi-indication pricing is nice in theory and it could work in practice, although changes in the manner in which medicines are priced, procured and monitored in clinical practice need to be applied.

Social economic costs of COPD in Extremadura (Spain): an observational study

Purpose

COPD has been associated with a high number of comorbidities and a relatively high level of health care resource utilization. This study aimed to estimate the social economic impact of COPD in the autonomous community of Extremadura (Spain) in 2015.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective observational study carried out using a representative sample of patients diagnosed with COPD in Extremadura. Sociodemographic data, data on health care resource utilization, formal and informal care received by the patients, and loss of labor productivity in the last 12 months were collected through an electronic data collection platform. Direct health care costs were estimated using the bottom-up approach, costs of informal care were assessed using the substitution method, and labor productivity losses were calculated using the human capital method.

Results

A sample of 386 patients was obtained (mean age: 71.8±10.3 years, males: 76.2%). The results show an average annual cost per patient of 3,077 euros. Direct health care costs represented 43.8% (1,645 euros), direct non-health care costs amounted to 38.3% (1,440 euros), and labor productivity losses represented 17.9% (672 euros) of the average annual cost. The total annual cost of patients with COPD in Extremadura reached 36.2 million euros in 2015.

Conclusion

COPD poses a significant burden for the health care system and the society of Extremadura. The implementation of preventive and control measures could result in a substantial reduction in the economic impact.

Determining the Value of Two Biologic Drugs for Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Results of a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a tool that systematically considers multiple factors relevant to health decision-making. The aim of this study was to use an MCDA to assess the value of dupilumab for severe atopic dermatitis compared with secukinumab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Spain.

METHOD

Following the EVIDEM (Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcision Making) methodology, the estimated value of both interventions was obtained by means of an additive linear model that combined the individual weighting (between 1 and 5) of each criterion with the individual scoring of each intervention in each criterion. Dupilumab was evaluated against placebo, while secukinumab was evaluated against placebo, etanercept and ustekinumab. A retest was performed to assess the reproducibility of weights, scores and value estimates.

RESULTS

The overall MCDA value estimate for dupilumab versus placebo was 0.51 ± 0.14. This value was higher than those obtained for secukinumab: 0.48 ± 0.15 versus placebo, 0.45 ± 0.15 versus etanercept and 0.39 ± 0.18 versus ustekinumab. The highest-value contribution was reported by the patients' group, followed by the clinical professionals and the decision makers. A fundamental element that explained the difference in the scoring between pathologies was the availability of therapeutic alternatives. The retest confirmed the consistency and replicability of the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Under this methodology, and assuming similar economic costs per patient for both treatments, the results indicated that the overall value estimated of dupilumab for severe atopic dermatitis was similar to, or slightly higher than, that of secukinumab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

The Impact of Severe Obesity on Healthcare Resource Utilisation in Spain

BACKGROUND

Obesity is not only a health problem but also a source of increased monetary expenditures. The objectives of this study were to analyse the use of healthcare resources in the Spanish adult population with class II obesity and above (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) and to compare it with other BMI groups.

METHOD

We used the Spanish National Health Survey, a longitudinal population-based survey (n = 18,682), to analyse healthcare resource utilisation by BMI groups. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for healthcare use among class II and over obese subjects versus normal BMI.

RESULTS

Persons with BMI ≥35 are more likely to attend general practitioner (GP)'s consultations (17%), to visit the emergency department (26%), to consume medications (36%), to be hospitalised (49%), to require nursing consultations (61%) and to require psychology consultations (83%). The proportion of obese people receiving home visits is 2.6 times higher than among normal BMI. After controlling for sex and age groups, people with severe obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) were more prone to requiring home care visits (OR 2.3; CI [1.3; 4.2]), GP visits (OR 2.1; CI [1.5; 3.0]), psychologist visits (OR 1.96; CI [1.3; 2.99]), emergency service visits (OR 1.5; CI [1.2; 1.8]), nurse visits (OR 1.46; CI [1.2; 1.9]) and hospitalisations (OR 1.43; CI [1.1; 1.9]) and after also adjusting for relevant comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: GP visits (OR 1.85; CI [1.3; 2.7]), psychologist visits (OR 1.8; CI [1.2; 2.7]), specialised care visits (OR 0.92; CI [0.7; 1.2]) and physiotherapist visits (OR 0.7; CI [0.5; 1.0]).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe obesity significantly increases healthcare resource utilisation in Spain. The results shed light on the real magnitude of the burden of obesity in Spain.

The impact of obesity on health-related quality of life in Spain

BACKGROUND

It is well documented that obesity is strongly associated with mortality and morbidity, but less is known about its impact on functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to calculate the impact of the Body Mass Index (BMI) on the HRQOL of the Spanish adult population, with special emphasis on BMI ≥ 35.

METHODS

We used the Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS) 2011-2012 to assess the statistical association between HRQOL, measured through the EuroQol-5D-5L questionnaire, and the BMI. We conducted linear regression analysis for the EuroQol-5D-5L Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and probit regressions for each of the five dimensions of the EuroQol-5D-5L.

RESULTS

Self-perceived problems in the five dimensions of the EuroQol-5D-5L increased along the BMI, especially in the mobility and pain/discomfort dimensions. Having a BMI ≥ 35 reduced HRQOL even in the absence of chronic diseases. After controlling for comorbidities, severe obesity decreased the VAS score by an average of 1.9 points and increased the probability of reporting any HRQOL problem in mobility (11.8%), self-care (2.2%), usual activities (4.3%) and pain/discomfort (7.4%). No association was found between obesity and mental problems. All the parameters analysed suggest that HRQOL in women and people aged 65 years and over was significantly worse than average.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI is an explanatory factor of self-perceived quality of life. Obesity is associated with a worse HRQOL, especially in women and people aged over 64 years. These results may be useful for designing prevention or treatment health policies to target obesity among the Spanish population.

Cost of vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant treatment in patients with metallic prosthetic valve in mitral position

Background:

The initiation of oral anticoagulation therapy after valve replacement surgery requires strict monitoring because these patients are at high risk for the development of thrombotic complications and present an increased risk of bleeding.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to examine the total healthcare costs of oral anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonists in patients with metallic prosthetic valves in the mitral position.

Methods:

Data from clinical records were used in the study including international normalized ratio results, number of medical visits, type of anticoagulant, use of rescue medication and hospital admissions from related complications. The drug cost was calculated based on the official Spanish Ministry of Health price list. Monitoring expenses were included in the cost of the medical supplies used in the procedures. Hospitalization costs were calculated using the diagnosis-related group price for each case.

Results:

We collected data from 151 patients receiving oral anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonist who were diagnosed with mitral prosthesis (n = 90), mitro-aortic prosthesis (n = 57), and mitral and tricuspid prosthesis (n = 4). The total direct healthcare cost was €15302.59, with a mean total cost per patient per year of €1558.15 (±2774.58) consisting of 44.38 (±42.30) for drug cost, €71.41 (±21.43) for international normalized ratio monitoring, €429.52 (±126.87) for medical visits, €26.31 (±28.38) for rescue medication and €986.53 (±2735.68) for related complications.

Conclusion:

Most direct healthcare costs associated with the sampled patients arose from the specialist-care monitoring required for treatment. Good monitoring is inversely related to direct healthcare costs.

[Health status, quality of life, and use of healthcare resources by patients with diabetes mellitus in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

This study analyses the health status of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), their health related quality of life (HRQoL) and their use of healthcare resources in Spain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive analysis was conducted using the Spanish Health National Survey (ENSE, 2012), gathering data on those patients aged 15 and over diagnosed with DM. Their health status, their HRQoL, and their use of healthcare resources were systematically compared with those of patients diagnosed with other chronic conditions (OCC), as well as a population without DM (non-DM).

RESULTS

Out of 21,007 subjects that took part, 7.4% were diagnosed with DM and 59% with OCC conditions (mean age 65.6±14.2 years with DM, 51.3±18.1 years with OCC, and 45.7±18.2 years with non-DM). When compared to non-DM and OCC, DM was statistically significantly associated with higher frequencies of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity, myocardial infraction, hospital admissions in the last year, and drug consumption, but with a lower number of visits to secondary healthcare. The mean quality adjusted life years (QALY) of patients with DM was 0.75 per year, significantly lower (P<.05) to that of individuals with OCC (0.89), and those without DM (0.92). The difference vs. non-DM remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, gender, and number of comorbidities (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In Spain, DM is associated with a high comorbidity, involves a greater loss in HRQoL than those diagnosed with other chronic conditions as a whole, and generates a significant burden on the healthcare system.

Cost-utility analysis of certolizumab pegol versus alternative tumour necrosis factor inhibitors available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis in Spain

BACKGROUND

Certolizumab pegol, a PEGylated tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitor, improves the clinical signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when used in combination with methotrexate or as monotherapy. This study evaluatedthe cost-utility of certolizumab pegol versusTNF-inhibitors plus methotrexate in the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA in Spain.

METHODS

A Markov cohort health state transition model was developed to evaluate the cost-utility (costs and quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]) of certolizumab pegol versus other TNF-inhibitors licensed in Spain in 2009. Efficacy was measured using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) responses at 6 months, based on adjusted indirect comparisons from published clinical trials. Utilities were derived from EQ-5D data from certolizumab pegol RA clinical trials. Clinical history and resource use data came from published literature. Unit costs were taken from Spanish databases or published data (cost year 2009). Base case analyses were conducted from the payer perspective, with a lifetime horizon, 3.5 % annual discounting rates for costs and outcomes, and 3 % inflation rate for 2009 onwards. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The average lifetime costs for certolizumab pegol, etanercept, adalimumab (every 2 weeks and weekly) and infliximab (3 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) in combination with methotrexate were €140,971, €141,197, €139,148, €164,741, €136,961 and €152,561, respectively. The QALYs gained were 6.578, 6.462, 6.430 (for both adalimumab doses), 6.430, and 6.318 (for both infliximab doses), respectively. At a €30,000/QALY willingness-to-pay threshold, certolizumab pegol plus methotrexate dominated adalimumab weekly, etanercept, and infliximab 5 mg/kg, and was cost-effective versus adalimumab every 2 weeks and infliximab 3 mg/kg (all with methotrexate), with estimated ICERs of €12,346/QALY and €15,414/QALY, respectively. Certolizumab pegol monotherapy was more cost-effective versus adalimumab, and less expensive with similar health gains versus etanercept (6.416 QALYs vs 6.492). Univariate analysis showed ICERs to be sensitive to changes in time horizon, ACR response time point, baseline Heath Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, and rate of HAQ-disability index deterioration after discontinuing treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis shows that certolizumab pegol is cost-effective compared with other TNF-inhibitors recommended in Spain for the treatment of RA.

Economic valuation and determinants of informal care to disabled people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Background

We aimed to estimate the monetary value of informal care of disabled people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain and to identify the main determinants of the time involved in informal caregiving.

Methods

We used the Survey on Disabilities, Autonomy and Dependency carried out in Spain in 2008 to obtain information on disabled individuals with COPD and their informal caregivers. Assessment of informal caregiving time was performed using the proxy good method. A statistical multivariate analysis (ordered probit model) was performed to study the determinants of informal care provided.

Results

It was estimated that 220,892 disabled people with COPD received informal care. The total annual number of caregiving hours was 694.44 million, with an estimated monetary value between 4,981 and 8,254 million EUR. Based on the condition of having received informal care, the cost of informal care per disabled person with COPD ranged from 24,549 to 40,681 EUR per year (depending on the shadow price applied). This value varies significantly depending on the degree of dependency; it ranged from 17,089 EUR per person annually for non-dependents to 33,033 EUR for those who were greatly dependent (under the most conservative scenario). Degree of dependency and the formal care received were the main variables that explained the variability of informal caregiving time provided.

Conclusions

The results partially reveal the high hidden social costs, and the association between the level of dependency and the time provided by the caregivers. This information should be a useful tool to design policies that focus on improving caregivers’ well-being.

Caregivers' burden in patients with COPD

OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a very prevalent and invalidating disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the burden borne by informal caregivers of patients with COPD.

METHODS

We used the Survey on Disabilities, Personal Autonomy, and Dependency Situations (Encuesta sobre Discapacidad, Autonomía personal y Situaciones de Dependencia [EDAD]-2008) to obtain information on the characteristics of disabled individuals with COPD and their caregivers in Spain. Additionally, statistical multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the impact that an increase in dependence would have on the problems for which caregivers provide support, in terms of health, professional, and leisure/social dimensions.

RESULTS

A total of 461,884 individuals with one or more disabilities and with COPD were identified, and 220,892 informal caregivers were estimated. Results showed that 35% of informal caregivers had health-related problems due to the caregiving provided; 83% had leisure/social-related problems; and among caregivers of working age, 38% recognized having profession-related problems. The probability of a problem arising was significantly associated with the degree of dependence of the patient receiving care. Caregivers of patients with great dependence showed a 39% higher probability of presenting health-related problems, 27% more professional problems, and 23% more leisure problems compared with those with nondependent patients.

CONCLUSION

The results show the large impact on society in terms of the welfare of informal caregivers of patients with COPD. A higher level of dependence was associated with more severe problems in caregivers, in all dimensions.

Direct vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant treatment health care costs in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

There is evidence suggesting that most thromboembolic complications could be prevented with adequate pharmacological anticoagulation. We estimated the direct health care costs of anticoagulant treatment with oral vitamin K antagonists in patients diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods

This observational study examined the clinical records of patients diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who received anticoagulant treatment with oral vitamin K antagonists. Data from clinical records were used in the study: international normalized ratio, number of monitoring visits, type of anticoagulant, hospital admissions from complications, and concomitant medication. Drug cost was calculated based on the official Spanish Ministry of Health price list. Monitoring expenses were included the cost of the medical supplies used in the procedures. Hospitalization costs were calculated using the Diagnosis Related Group price for each case. Hospital visits costs were calculated by one of four different scenarios, using either the invoice rates for the regional health care authority or cost per visit as established by analytical accounting methods.

Results

We collected data from 1,257 patients diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who were receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. Depending on the scheme used, the direct health care costs for these patients ranged from €423,695 - €1,436,038 per annum. The average cost per patient varied between €392 - €1,341, depending on the approach used. Patients with international normalized ratio values within the therapeutic range on 25% of their visits represented an average cost between €441.70 - €1,592. Those within the therapeutic range on 25%–50% of visits had associated costs of €512.37 - €1,703.91. When international normalized ratio values were within the therapeutic range on 50% - 75% of the visits, the costs ranged between €400.80- €1,375.74. The average cost was €305.23 - €1,049.84 when the values were within the therapeutic range for over 75% of visits.

Conclusions

Most direct health care costs associated with the sampled patients arise from the specialist-care monitoring required for the treatment. Good monitoring is inversely related to direct health care costs.

Informal care of patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is a disease that causes strong societal rejection and requires a significant allocation of healthcare and social resources. The chronicity and characteristics of the disease require continued care, often provided by nonprofessionals close to the person diagnosed with schizophrenia.

AIM OF STUDY

To analyze the value of informal care associated with the loss of personal autonomy (dependency) caused by schizophrenia in Spain; to study the association between the level of dependency and the number of hours of informal care provided; and to examine the association between the level of dependency/hours of informal care and the burden borne by caregivers.

METHODS

We used the Survey on Disabilities, Autonomy and Dependency to obtain information on the characteristics of disabled individuals with schizophrenia and the individuals who provide them with personal care. Assessment of informal care time was performed using the proxy good method. Statistical multivariate analyses using ordered probit models were conducted to study the impact of the degree of dependency on the hours of care provided and probit models to study the burden placed on caregivers in terms of health, professional, and leisure/social dimensions.

RESULTS

The economic value of care varies between 523.06 and 866.7 euro per week censoring at 16 hours of care per day (667.22-1,105.66 when no time censored). A primary informal caregiver of a severe or greatly dependent individual with schizophrenia was between 20.5% and 23.8% more likely to provide a high level of informal care (over 70 hours per week), between 6.1% and 6.4% less likely to provide a medium level of informal care (between 31 and 70 hours per week), and between 14.4% and 17.6% less likely to provide low-level care (30 hours or less per week). Informal caregivers who provide care for severely/greatly dependent or moderately dependent people had a higher probability of suffering from health, professional, and family/socially related problems than caregivers who cared for non-dependent people.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The results show a part of the high social cost of schizophrenia in Spain. At the same time, the study provides evidence that more severe levels of dependency are positively associated with more hours of informal care and higher caregiver burden.

IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICY

The results show that health or social care programs targeted at persons with autonomy limitations cannot overlook the importance of informal care, since doing so would lead to inefficiencies or inequities and reduce the well-being of citizens.

IMPLICATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Information on informal care should be incorporated in the design of health and social care policies geared toward improving equity and efficiency in the allocation of social resources. Longitudinal studies of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia would provide further information on the characteristics and impact of informal care.