Cost-effectiveness of a State Funded Asthma Control Program
Author Information
Author(s): Franco Rosana, Santos Andreia C, do Nascimento Harrison F, Souza-Machado Carolina, Ponte Eduardo, Souza-Machado Adelmir, Loureiro Sebastião, Barreto Maurício L, Rodrigues Laura C, Cruz Alvaro A
Primary Institution: Programa para o Controle da Asma e da Rinite Alérgica na Bahia (ProAR) – Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Hypothesis
An intervention program offering the best management for severe asthma would benefit patients without increasing costs.
Conclusion
A program for control of severe asthma in a developing country can reduce morbidity, improve quality of life, and save resources for both the health system and patients' families.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients had 5 fewer days of hospitalization and 68 fewer emergency visits per year.
- Asthma control scores improved by 50% and quality of life by 74%.
- The annual saving in public resources was US$387 per patient.
- Family annual income increased by US$512.
- Family costs were reduced by US$733.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special program for asthma can help people feel better and save money for families and the health system.
Methodology
The study involved 81 patients with severe asthma, collecting data on costs and health outcomes before and after joining the asthma control program over 12 months.
Potential Biases
Patients' self-reported data may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study relied on retrospective data for the year before intervention, which may affect accuracy.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged 12-75, predominantly female (83%), with a median family income of US$2,768 per year, and many had low educational levels.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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