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An economic model to reduce the cost of chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy with innovative state-of-the-art medicine at university level can be very costly. Reimbursement until 2002 was at a flat rate, often not even covering the costs of the pharmaceutical substances. To avoid debt a more cost-effective chemotherapy management system had to be found. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From this background, an economic model with four steps was developed: 1. Analysis of current financial situation; 2. Precalculation of chemotherapy costs; 3. Assignment to an individual cost-covering reimbursement pathway; and 4. Postcalculation for cost efficiency and elimination of potential mistakes. RESULTS: After successful implementation of this model we were able to reach cost effectiveness for our chemo unit within 12 months and pay back previous debts and were even able to employ new medical staff. CONCLUSION: With this model we are now able to perform chemotherapy cost effectively at a university level without reducing standard of care.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

A systematic review and economic model of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy for renal transplantation in children.

OBJECTIVES: To review the clinical and cost-effectiveness of basiliximab, daclizumab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mycophenolate sodium (MPS) and sirolimus as possible immunosuppressive therapies for renal transplantation in children. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases were searched up to November 2004. REVIEW METHODS: Data from selected studies were extracted and quality assessed. An economic model [Birmingham Sensitivity Analysis paediatrics (BSAp)] was produced based on an adaptation of a model previously developed for the assessment of the cost-effectiveness of immunosuppressants in adults following renal transplant. RESULTS: For the addition of basiliximab, one unpublished paediatric randomised control trial (RCT), reported that the addition of basiliximab to tacrolimus-based triple therapy (BTAS) failed to significantly improve 6-month biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft function, graft loss and all-cause mortality. No significant difference between groups was seen in 6-month or 1-year or longer graft loss, all-cause mortality and side-effects. In a meta-analysis of adult RCTs, the addition of basiliximab to a ciclosporin, azathioprine and steroid regimen (CAS) significantly reduced short-term BPAR. There was no significant difference in short- or long-term graft loss, all-cause mortality or side-effects. One adult RCT was included for the addition of daclizumab to CAS, which reported reduced 1-year BPAR, although no difference between groups was seen in either 1- or 3-year graft loss, all-cause mortality and side-effects. For tacrolimus versus ciclosporin, one unpublished paediatric RCT found that a regimen of tacrolimus, azathioprine and a steroid (TAS) reduced 6-month BPAR and improved graft function [glomerular filtration rate (GFR)] compared with CAS. This improvement in BPAR with tacrolimus was as shown in the meta-analysis of adult RCTs. There was evidence, particularly in children, that in comparison with ciclosporin, tacrolimus may reduce long-term graft loss, although there is no benefit on total mortality. The total level of withdrawal in children was reduced in children receiving tacrolimus. Adult RCTs showed an increase in post-transplant diabetes mellitus with tacrolimus. For MMF versus azathioprine, a meta-analysis of adult RCTs showed MMF [regimen of ciclosporin, MMF and a steroid (CMS)] to reduce 1-year BPAR compared with azathioprine (CAS). There was evidence, particularly in children, that in comparison with azathioprine, tacrolimus may reduce long-term graft loss, although there is no benefit on total mortality. There was an increase in the level of cytomegalovirus infection with MMF, although the overall level of withdrawal due to adverse events was not different to that of azathioprine-treated adults. No study comparing MPS with azathioprine (CAS) was identified. In an adult RCT comparing MMF with MPS, there was no significant difference between groups in 1-year efficacy or side-effects. One unpublished paediatric RCT assessed the addition of sirolimus to CAS. BPAR, graft loss and all-cause mortality were not reported. In two adult RCTs, compared with azathioprine, sirolimus reduced 1-year BPAR, reduced graft function (as assessed by an increased serum creatinine) and increased the level of hyperlipidaemia. No significant differences were seen in other efficacy and side-effect outcomes. On an adult RCT comparing sirolimus with ciclosporin, there were no significant differences between groups in 1-year efficacy or side-effects with the exception of an increased level of hyperlipidaemia with sirolimus substitution. Both the assessment group and drug companies assessed the cost-effectiveness of the newer renal immunosuppressants currently licensed in children using an adaptation (BSAp) of the Birmingham Sensitivity Analysis (BSA) model. This model is based on a 10-year extrapolation of 1-year BPAR results sourced from paediatric RCTs or adult RCTs (where paediatric RCTs were not available). The addition of basiliximab and that of daclizumab to CAS was found to increase quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and decreased overall costs, a finding that was robust to sensitivity analyses. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of replacing ciclosporin with tacrolimus was highly sensitive to the selection of the hazard ratio for graft loss from acute rejection, dialysis costs and the incorporation (or not) of side-effects. The ICERs for tacrolimus versus ciclosporin ranged from about 46,000 pounds/QALY to about 146,000 pounds/QALY. Although sensitive to varying the hazard ratio for graft loss with acute rejection, the ICER for replacing azathioprine with MMF remained in excess of 55,000 pounds/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: In general, compared with a regimen of ciclosporin, azathioprine and steroid, the newer immunosuppressive agents consistently reduced the incidence of short-term biopsy-proven acute rejection. However, evidence of the impact on side-effects, long-term graft loss, compliance and overall health-related quality of life is limited. Cost-effectiveness was estimated based on the relationship between short-term acute rejection levels from RCTs and long-term graft loss. Both the addition of daclizumab and that of basiliximab were found to be dominant strategies, that is, regarding cost savings and increased QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness of tacrolimus relative to ciclosporin was highly sensitive to key model parameter values and therefore may well be a cost-effective strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness of MMF compared with azathioprine, although also sensitive to model parameter, was unattractive. There is a particular need for RCTs to assess the use of MMF, MPS and daclizumab for renal transplantation in children where no such evidence currently exists. Future comparative studies need to report not only on the impact of the newer immunosuppressants on short- and long-term clinical outcomes but also on side-effects, compliance, healthcare resource, costs and health-related quality of life.

Child↗

Modeling economic evaluations of pharmaceuticals: manipulation or valuable tool?

Controversy surrounds the use of models in economic evaluations of pharmaceuticals. Many believe that modeling is a way of manipulating results and is not credible, whereas others consider modeling a valuable tool in economic evaluations. The purpose of this article is to provide a historical perspective on modeling, focus on the controversy and policy implications of using models, and review the suggested framework and guidelines for modeling practices. Models can be used to extrapolate beyond intermediate end points, predict costs and consequences of alternative therapies, generalize data to other settings, pose questions instead of providing answers when no data exist, design an evaluation to reduce uncertainty, and perform direct comparisons that are not currently available. We believe that a useful model should document the detailed inner workings, assumptions, and inherent bias during production (and at publication time), so that its reviewers and users can evaluate the appropriateness of the model's outcomes. The acceptability of models in the future rests with the researchers constructing them. If constructed appropriately, modeling economic evaluations is not a manipulation but rather a valuable tool.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Managing an endangered Asian bovid in an Australian National Park: the role and limitations of ecological-economic models in decision-making.

Should north Australia's extensive populations of feral animals be eradicated for conservation, or exploited as a rare opportunity for Indigenous enterprise in remote regions? We examine options for a herd of banteng, a cattle species endangered in its native Asian range but abundant in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, an Aboriginal land managed jointly by traditional owners and a conservation agency in the Northern Territory of Australia. We reflect on the paradoxes that arise when trying to deal effectively with such complex and contested issues in natural resource management using decision-support tools (ecological-economic models), by identifying the trade-offs inherent in protecting values whilst also providing incomes for Indigenous landowners.

Animals↗

Incorporation of uncertainty in health economic modelling studies.

In a recent leading article in PharmacoEconomics, Nuijten described some methods for incorporating uncertainty into health economic models and for utilising the information on uncertainty regarding the cost effectiveness of a therapy in resource allocation decision-making. His proposals are found to suffer from serious flaws in statistical and health economic reasoning.Nuijten's suggestions for incorporating uncertainty: (a) wrongly interpret the p-value as the probability that the null hypothesis is true; (b) represent this probability wrongly by truncating the input distribution; and (c) in the specific example of an antiparkinsonian drug uses a completely inappropriate p-value of 0.05 when the null hypothesis would, in reality, be emphatically disproved by the data.His suggestions regarding minimum important differences in cost effectiveness: (a) introduce areas of indifference that suggest inappropriate reliance on cost minimisation while failing to recognise that decisions should be based on expected costs versus benefits; and (b) offer no guidance on how the probabilities associated with these areas could be used in decision-making. Furthermore, Nuijten's model for Parkinson's disease is over-simplified to the point of providing a bad example of modelling practice, which may mislead the readers of PharmacoEconomics. The rationale for this paper is to ensure that readers do not apply inappropriate analyses as a result of following the proposals contained in Nuijten's paper. In addition to a detailed critique of Nuijten's proposals, we provide brief summaries of the currently accepted best practice in cost-effectiveness decision-making under uncertainty.

Antiparkinson Agents↗

Technical-economic modelling of integrated water management: wastewater reuse in a French island.

An integrated technical-economic model is used to address water management issues in the French island of Noirmoutier. The model simulates potable water production and supply, potable and non potable water demand and consumption, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, water storage, transportation and reuse. A variety of water management scenarios is assessed through technical, economic and environmental evaluation. The scenarios include wastewater reclamation and reuse for agricultural and landscape irrigation as well as domestic non potable application, desalination of seawater and brackish groundwater for potable water supply. The study shows that, in Noirmoutier, wastewater reclamation and reuse for crop irrigation is the most cost-effective solution to the lack of water resources and the protection of sensitive environment. Some water management projects which are regarded as having less economic benefit in the short-term may become competitive in the future, as a result of tightened environmental policy, changed public attitudes and advanced water treatment technologies. The model provides an appropriate tool for water resources planning and management.

Agriculture↗

An economic model of stroke in atrial fibrillation: the cost of suboptimal oral anticoagulation.

Using a disease model, the current economic burden of stroke in the 2.3 million US patients with atrial fibrillation was estimated, and potential savings in direct costs obtainable by optimization of oral anticoagulation were projected using a disease model. Cost estimates were based on published epidemiologic data on risks in 3 main prevention scenarios (ie, none or aspirin alone, warfarin in routine care, and warfarin in anticoagulation clinic settings) and 2003 Medicare cost data. According to the model described, the approximately 1.265 million (55%) patients currently not receiving prophylaxis, suffer 58 382 strokes annually with an associated total direct cost to Medicare of dollar 4.8 billion. For the 1.035 million receiving warfarin, 38 468 strokes are predicted every year, costing an estimated dollar 3.1 billion. If 50% of those not receiving warfarin prophylaxis were optimally anticoagulated, 19 380 emboli would be prevented and dollar 1.1 billion would be saved. If 50% of those currently receiving warfarin in routine medical care were optimally anticoagulated, 9852 emboli would be prevented and dollar 1.3 billion would be saved. The risk of bleeding increases in the first of these "what if" scenarios but drops substantially in the second. These estimates do not account for the costs of optimization. Given the continued underutilization and poor anticoagulation control observed with warfarin, despite 50 years of use and widespread awareness of its effectiveness, the feasibility of achieving the projected 50% increases in optimal usage is questionable. Although efforts to optimize warfarin use must continue, the best opportunity for Medicare or managed care organizations to reduce stroke rates and costs at magnitudes approaching those analyzed in this model may come with use of newer oral anticoagulants that are easier to manage.

Administration, Oral↗

An economic model of the market for hospital treatment for non-urgent conditions.

This paper develops an economic model of the market for treatment of waiting list conditions, in which complainants choose between private treatment, NHS treatment and no hospital treatment. This choice depends on a number of clinical and non-clinical factors, which enter the demand functions for private and NHS treatment. Among the key influences are the price of private treatment and the expected duration of wait for NHS treatment, both of which are endogenous variables in the model. Given a pair of private sector and NHS supply functions, expressions are obtained for the price and expected wait at which demand and supply are simultaneously equated in both the private sector and the NHS. The paper concludes by exploring the responsiveness of the equilibrium to various demand side and supply side shocks.

Choice Behavior↗

[Medical-economic models of benign prostatic hypertrophy].

This article is designed to explain the importance of medico-economic models for evaluation of the impact of treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The authors illustrate this approach by comparing two hypotheses: transurethral resection of the prostate versus watchful waiting using a Markov type of model. This model is able to simulate the probability of development of events such as transurethral resection of the prostate, acute urinary retention over a 40-year period by 3-month cycles. The model is also able to simulate the mean cost of management of a patient over this period. This type of model may appear slightly artificial and complicated, but it is the only model which could allow long-term simulations of the respective value of the various therapeutic strategies for BPH. This type of model is also evolutive, its performance is gradually improved as new data become available in the literature, allowing refinement of a number of hypotheses.

Acute Disease↗

Decision analytical economic modelling within a Bayesian framework: application to prophylactic antibiotics use for caesarean section.

Economic evaluation of health care interventions based on decision analytic modelling can generate valuable information for health policy decision makers. However, the usefulness of the results obtained depends on the quality of the data input into the model; that is, the accuracy of the estimates for the costs, effectiveness, and transition probabilities between the different health states of the model. The aim of this paper is to review the use of Bayesian decision models in economic evaluation and to demonstrate how the individual components required for decision analytical modelling (i.e., systematic review incorporating meta-analyses, estimation of transition probabilities, evaluation of the model, and sensitivity analysis) may be addressed simultaneously in one coherent Bayesian model evaluated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation implemented in the specialist Bayesian statistics software WinBUGS. To illustrate the method described, a simple probabilistic decision model is developed to evaluate the cost implications of using prophylactic antibiotics in caesarean section to reduce the incidence of wound infection. The advantages of using the Bayesian statistical approach outlined compared to the conventional classical approaches to decision analysis include the ability to: (i) perform all necessary analyses, including all intermediate analyses (e.g., meta-analyses) required to derive model parameters, in a single coherent model; (ii) incorporate expert opinion either directly or regarding the relative credibility of different data sources; (iii) use the actual posterior distributions for parameters of interest (opposed to making distributional assumptions necessary for the classical formulation); and (iv) incorporate uncertainty for all model parameters.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗

[A cost analysis of diagnostic screening for the differentiation of type-1 and type-2 diabetics aged 30 to 45. A health economics modelling calculation].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Because of its chronic course and increasing incidence diabetes mellitus is assuming increasing importance not only for medical reasons but also on health policy. Early recognition of carriers of autoantibodies among type 2 diabetics (noninsulin-dependent; NIDDM) and the resulting optimization of blood glucose could lead to a reduction of secondary diseases. A health-economic model for calculating costs was used to test the socioeconomic significance of a screening programme for identifying carriers of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase among NIDDM diabetics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Health-economic analysis was based on the incidence of positive autoantibody tests among diabetics aged between 30 and 45 years. Results for a cohort of diabetics who had been screened were compared with those obtained in a control group without screening. A time-span of 20 years was chosen because of the late manifestations of diseases secondary to DM. The model calculations used a cost analysis. Data were based on interventional clinical and epidemiological studies. Cost of treatment of secondary diseases was confined to a one-year period. In the first instance the direct medical costs and additionally the indirect economic costs, generated by patients' loss of production and disability to work were calculated. One-dimensional sensitivity analysis was used to check the assumptions underlying the model. RESULTS: Per patient in the model, total costs of the screening programme over a period of 20 years were calculated at DM 31,278, of which DM 7,799 were direct and DM 23,479 indirect costs. The calculated costs for the control subjects (no screening) were DM 35,290, of which DM 10,984 were direct and DM 24,306 indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS: Extrapolating to the entire population, with an investment by the statutory health insurance of ca. DM 22.8 million, employing a full screening programme would lead to a saving of DM 2.6 billion.

Adult↗

An economic model of general practice.

The public perceives that doctors earn too much, while general practitioners complain that their income is dwindling . In the absence of reliable data on doctors' incomes, it is impossible to determine whether medical fees are set appropriately, and what effects Medicare might have on general practice. An economic model of practice, using estimates of income and expenditure derived from specified assumptions, was constructed. Then, the effects of changes in various parameters of the model were examined in turn to show how economic forces are likely to affect the behaviour of doctors. It is shown that a general practitioner working at a moderate rate during a normal working week will earn a low income under current schedule fees. Some implications of these findings for practitioners, fee setting, and the public are explored.

Aged↗

Economic modelling of antenatal screening and ultrasound scanning programmes for identification of fetal abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: Within the framework of a health technology assessment and using an economic model, to determine the most clinically and cost effective policy of scanning and screening for fetal abnormalities in early pregnancy. DESIGN: A discrete event simulation model of 50,000 singleton pregnancies. SETTING: Maternity services in Scotland. POPULATION: Women during the first 24 weeks of their pregnancy. METHODS: The mathematical model was populated with data on uptake of screening, prevalence, detection and false positive rates for eight fetal abnormalities and with costs for ultrasound scanning and serum screening. Inclusion of abnormalities was based on the relative prevalence and clinical importance of conditions and the availability of data. Six strategies for the identification of abnormalities prenatally including combinations of first and second trimester ultrasound scanning and first and second trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of abnormalities detected and missed, the number of iatrogenic losses resulting from invasive tests, the total cost of strategies and the cost per abnormality detected were compared between strategies. RESULTS: First trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities costs more than second trimester screening but results in fewer iatrogenic losses. Strategies which include a second trimester ultrasound scan result in more abnormalities being detected and have lower costs per anomaly detected. CONCLUSIONS: The preferred strategy includes both first and second trimester ultrasound scans and a first trimester screening test for chromosomal abnormalities. It has been recommended that this policy is offered to all women in Scotland.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

Discounting the future: influence of the economic model.

OBJECTIVE: To consider the effect of the economic discount rate on health care policy and the rationale for discounting the collective future of society generally. DESIGN: A review of the concept of discounting the future vis à vis the present from the points of view of individuals (who pass on) and of societies (that continue) and reconsideration of the application of discounting to typical public health scenarios. SETTING: A public health service, within a basically stable society, which can reasonably anticipate a nearly certain future. RESULTS: Discounting necessarily overvalues the "here and now" compared with the future. While applications of discount rates, typical of those employed in health economic studies in recent years, may seem rational in health care programmes directed at middle aged employed people, they do not for the young and the elderly, important recipients of health care. The consequences of discounting do not accord with the aims and objectives of public health. CONCLUSIONS: The "time preferences" of transient individuals within a stable society do not provide a rational basis for time preference of a stable society collectively. Discounting inevitably encourages "short termism" and hence biases public policy decision making. The neoclassical theory that gave rise to the concept of discounting requires revision.

Adolescent↗