Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Disability in Leprosy
Author Information
Author(s): van Veen Natasja H. J., McNamee Paul, Richardus Jan Hendrik, Smith W. Cairns S.
Primary Institution: Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam
Hypothesis
What is the cost-effectiveness of interventions to prevent disability in leprosy?
Conclusion
Evidence for cost-effectiveness of POD interventions for leprosy is scarce, and high-quality research is needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Two studies were small, single-centre randomised controlled trials.
- One trial found that canvas shoes were more cost-effective than plastazote shoes.
- The other trial showed that ambulatory care was more cost-effective than hospitalisation.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much it costs to help people with leprosy avoid disabilities, and found that we need better research to know what works best.
Methodology
The authors systematically reviewed existing studies on cost-effectiveness of interventions to prevent disability in leprosy, assessing their quality and outcomes.
Potential Biases
The studies did not address issues of availability, affordability, and sustainability adequately.
Limitations
The studies included were small and did not adequately report on all relevant costs and outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Two studies involved leprosy patients with deformed and anaesthetic feet, and patients with neuritis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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