PubMed · 14628636
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Chris Quinn. 2003-11-06. Purchasing & supply. Safe cracker.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14628636/
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The objective of this study is to determine the allocation of resources within a multi-site needle exchange program (NEP) that achieves the largest possible reduction in new HIV infections at minimum cost. We present a model that relates the number of injection drug user (IDU) clients and the number of syringes exchanged per client to both the costs of the NEP and the expected reduction in HIV infections per unit time. We show that cost-effective allocation within a multi-site NEP requires that sites be located where the density of IDUs is highest, and that the number of syringes exchanged per client be equal across sites. We apply these optimal allocation rules to a specific multi-site needle exchange program, Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP). This NEP, we find, needs to add 2 or 3 new sites in neighborhoods with the highest density of IDU AIDS cases, and to increase its total IDU client base by about 28%, from approximately 6400 to 8200 IDU clients. The case-study NEP also needs to increase its hours of operation at two existing sites, where the number of needles distributed per client is currently sub-optimal, by 50%. At the optimal allocation, the estimated cost per case of HIV averted would be dollar 2800 (range dollar 2300-dollar 4200). Such a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio derives primarily from PPP's low marginal costs per distributed needle.
The rise of neo-liberalism, which suggests that only markets can deliver maximum economic efficiency, has been a driving force behind the trend towards using market-based solutions to correct health care problems. However, the broad application of market-based reforms has tended to assume the presence of fully functioning markets. When there are barriers to markets functioning effectively, such as the absence of adequate competition, recourse to market-based solutions can be expected to produce less than satisfactory, if not paradoxical results. One such case is rehabilitation homecare in Ontario, Canada. In 1996, a "managed competition" model was introduced as part of a province-wide reform of home care in an attempt to encourage high quality at competitive prices. However, in the case of rehabilitation home care services, significant obstacles to achieving effective competition existed. Notably, there were few private provider agencies to bid on contracts due to the low volume and specialized nature of services. There were also structural barriers such as the presence of unionized employees and obstacles to the entry of new providers. This paper evaluates the impact of Ontario's managed competition reform on community-based rehabilitation services. It draws on data obtained through 49 in-depth key informant interviews and a telephone survey of home care coordinating agencies and private rehabilitation provider agencies. Instead of reducing costs and improving quality, as the political rhetoric promised, the analysis suggests that providing rehabilitation homecare services under managed competition resulted in higher per-visit costs and reduced access to services. These findings support the contention that there are limits to market-based reforms.
Videoconferencing can help the NHS make the best use of limited resoure It allows patients in remote areas have virtual consultations in their GP surgery. The technology aids training. Surgeons and consultants of the future can be tutored at multiple sites simultaneously.