Cost-utility analysis of a telehealth psychological support intervention for people with primary brain tumor: Telehealth Making Sense of brain tumor.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake an economic evaluation of a telehealth psychological support intervention for patients with primary brain tumor (PBT). METHODS: A within-trial cost-utility analysis over 6 months was performed comparing a tailored telehealth-psychological support intervention with standard care (SC) in a randomized control trial. Data were sourced from the Telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumor (Tele-MAST) trial survey data, project records, and administrative healthcare claims. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated based on the EuroQol-5D-5L. Non-parametric bootstrapping with 2000 iterations was used to determine sampling uncertainty. Multiple imputation was used for handling missing data. RESULTS: The Tele-MAST trial included 82 participants and was conducted in Queensland, Australia during 2018-2021. When all healthcare claims were included, the incremental cost savings from Tele-MAST were -AU$4,327 (95% CI: -$8637, -$18) while incremental QALY gains were small at 0.03 (95% CI: -0.02, 0.08). The likelihood of Tele-MAST being cost-effective versus SC was 87% at a willingness-to-pay threshold of AU$50,000 per QALY gain. When psychological-related healthcare costs were included only, the incremental cost per QALY gain was AU$10,685 (95% CI: dominant, $24,566) and net monetary benefits were AU$534 (95% CI: $466, $602) with a 65% likelihood of the intervention being cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this small randomized controlled trial, the Tele-MAST intervention is a cost-effective intervention for improving the quality of life of people with PBT in Australia. Patients receiving the intervention incurred significantly lower overall healthcare costs than patients in SC. There was no significant difference in costs incurred for psychological health services.

Frequency of colorectal surveillance colonoscopies for adenomatous polyps: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess evidence on the frequency of polyp surveillance colonoscopies performed earlier than the recommended follow-up intervals in clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: A systematic review was performed based on electronic searches in PubMed and Embase. Research articles, letters to the editors, and review articles, published before April 2022, were included. Studies that focused on the intervals of polyp surveillance in adult populations were selected. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure (ROBINS-E) was used to assess the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was performed with Forest plots to illustrate the results. RESULTS: In total, 16 studies, comprising 11 172 patients from Australia, Europe, and North America, were included for analysis. The quality of the studies was moderate. Overall, 38% (95% CI: 30-47%) of colonoscopies were undertaken earlier than their respective national clinical guidelines. In risk-stratified surveillance, 10 studies contained data relating to low-risk polyp surveillance intervals and 30% (95% CI: 29-31%) of colonoscopies were performed earlier than recommended. Eight studies contained data relating to intermediate-risk polyp surveillance and 15% (95% CI: 14-17%) of colonoscopies were performed earlier than recommended. One study showed that 6% (95% CI: 4-10%) of colonoscopies performed for high-risk polyp surveillance were performed earlier than recommended. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of polyp surveillance was performed earlier than the guidelines suggested. This provides evidence of the potential overuse of healthcare resources and the opportunity to improve hospital efficiency.

Evaluation of the telehealth making sense of brain tumor psychological support intervention for people with primary brain tumor and their caregivers: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This pragmatic randomized control trial aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy of the Making Sense of Brain Tumour program delivered via videoconferencing (Tele-MAST) for improving mental health and quality of life (QoL) relative to standard care in individuals with primary brain tumor (PBT). METHOD: Adults with PBT experiencing at least mild distress (Distress Thermometer ≥4) and caregivers were randomly allocated to the 10-session Tele-MAST program or standard care. Mental health and QoL were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention (primary endpoint), and 6-weeks and 6-months follow-up. The primary outcome was clinician-rated depressive symptoms on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS: 82 participants with PBT (34% benign, 20% lower-grade glioma, 46% high-grade glioma) and 36 caregivers were recruited (2018-2021). Controlling for baseline functioning, Tele-MAST participants with PBT had lower depressive symptoms at post-intervention (95% CI: 10.2-14.6, vs. 15.2-19.6, p = 0.002) and 6-weeks post-intervention (95% CI: 11.5-15.8 vs. 15.6-19.9, p = 0.010) than standard care, and were almost 4 times more likely to experience clinically reduced depression (OR, 3.89; 95% CI: 1.5-9.9). Tele-MAST participants with PBT also reported significantly better global QoL, emotional QoL and lower anxiety at post-intervention and 6-weeks post-intervention than standard care. There were no significant intervention effects for caregivers. At 6-months follow-up participants with PBT who received Tele-MAST reported significantly better mental health and QoL relative to pre-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Tele-MAST was found to be more effective for reducing depressive symptoms at post-intervention than standard care for people with PBT but not caregivers. Tailored and extended psychological support may be beneficial for people with PBT.

Economic evaluation of exercise interventions for individuals with cancer: A systematic review.

While there is good evidence that exercise is an effective adjunct therapy to cancer care, little is known about its value for money. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the available evidence pertaining to the cost-effectiveness of exercise interventions following cancer. A search of eight online databases (CINAHL, the Cochrane Library (NHSEED), Econlit, Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of science) was first conducted on 26 March 2021 and updated on 8 March 2022. Only economic evaluations with results in the form of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were included. The Consolidated Health Economics Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) was used to appraise the quality of reporting in the studies. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Sixteen studies comprising seven (44%) cost-utility analyses (CUA), one (6%) cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) and eight (50%) combined CUA and CEA were identified. These studies explored exercise in five cancer types (breast, colon, lung, prostate, and blood), with half (50%) in breast cancer. Seven studies (44%) adopted societal perspectives. Exercise interventions were found to be cost-effective in five of ten (50%) trial-based economic evaluations and in five of the six (83%) model-based economic evaluations. Most exercise interventions included were supervised, while close supervision and individualized exercise sessions incurred higher costs. Exercise interventions in cancer care are cost-effective for various cancer types despite considerable heterogeneity in exercise delivery and the type of analysis used for economic evaluation. There is clear value in using decision-analytic modelling to account for the long-term benefits of exercise in cancer care.

Health care service use by people diagnosed with invasive melanoma in Queensland: a benefit incidence analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify differences, by residential remoteness and socio-economic status, in health care service use by people diagnosed with invasive melanoma in Queensland. DESIGN: Benefit incidence analysis of CancerCostMod data, comprising Queensland Cancer Registry data linked with Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection (QHAPDC), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Adults (18 years or older) newly diagnosed with invasive melanoma in Queensland during 1 July 2011 - 31 June 2015 and alive three years after diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Concentration curves and indices quantifying differences by residential postcode-based remoteness (Australian Statistical Geography Standard - Remoteness Area) and socio-economic disadvantage (Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage) in hospital admissions (overall and by type) and use of MBS (overall and by type) and PBS services during the three years following diagnosis of invasive melanoma. RESULTS: A total of 13 145 adults diagnosed with invasive melanoma during 2011-15 were alive three years after the diagnosis. Public hospital admissions were more frequent for people living in areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage (concentration index, -0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.19 to -0.12) or outside major cities (concentration index, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.06); private hospital admissions (concentration index, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.15) and specialist consultations (concentration index, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.07-0.10) were more frequent in areas of lesser disadvantage and in major cities (private hospital admissions: 0.10; 95% CI, 0.06-0.13; specialist services: 0.07; 95% CI, 0.06-0.09). Differences in other melanoma health care service use by residential remoteness and socio-economic disadvantage were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in health care service use by Queenslanders with primary diagnoses of invasive melanoma by residential socio-economic disadvantage and remoteness were generally minor. Our analysis suggests that access to health care for people with melanoma is fairly equitable in Queensland.

Diabetes mellitus and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to decompensated cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of decompensated cirrhosis and associated risk factors in people hospitalised with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without cirrhosis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; analysis of linked Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Queensland Cancer Register data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Queensland residents aged 20 years or older admitted to Queensland hospitals with NAFLD/NASH during 1 July 2009 - 31 December 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Progression to decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or oesophageal variceal bleeding). RESULTS: We included data for 8006 patients in our analysis (10 082 admissions), including 4632 women (58%) and 2514 people with diabetes mellitus (31%); median follow-up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range, 2.7-7.2 years). Three hundred and fifty-one people (4.4%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis during the follow-up period. Of the 6900 people without cirrhosis, 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-5.7%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 0.5% per year; 95% CI, 0.4-0.6% per year); risk of progression was greater for people aged 70 years or older (v 20-39 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.7; 95% CI, 2.0-11.0) and those who had extrahepatic cancers (aHR, 5.0; 95% CI, 3.0-8.2), history of major cardiovascular events (aHR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0-3.9). Of the 1106 people with cirrhosis, 32.4% (95% CI, 27.2-38.3%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 5.5% per year; 95% CI, 4.8-6.3% per year); risk of progression was greater for those with portal hypertension (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7), extrahepatic cancer (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0). Compared with people who had neither cirrhosis nor diabetes mellitus, the risk of decompensation was greater for people with cirrhosis (aHR, 10.7; 95% CI, 7.6-15.0) or cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus (aHR, 14.4; 95% CI, 10.1-20.6). CONCLUSIONS: Given the greater risk of progression to cirrhosis decompensation in people with diabetes mellitus, a disorder common in people with NAFLD/NASH, identifying advanced fibrosis and providing appropriate treatment for averting disease progression is vital.

Challenges and solutions to cancer-related financial toxicity according to Australian health professionals: qualitative results from a national survey.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively explore Australian healthcare professionals' perspectives on how to improve the care and management of cancer-related financial toxicity, including relevant practices, services, and unmet needs. METHODS: We invited healthcare professionals (HCP) who currently provide care to people with cancer within their role to complete an online survey, which was distributed via the networks of Australian clinical oncology professional associations/organisations. The survey was developed by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia's Financial Toxicity Working Group and contained 12 open-ended items which we analysed using descriptive content analysis and NVivo software. RESULTS: HCPs (n = 277) believed that identifying and addressing financial concerns within routine cancer care was important and most believed this to be the responsibility of all HCP involved in the patient's care. However, financial toxicity was viewed as a "blind spot" within a medical model of healthcare, with a lack of services, resources, and training identified as barriers to care. Social workers reported assessment and advocacy were part of their role, but many reported lacking formal training and understanding of financial complexities/laws. HCPs reported positive attitudes towards transparent discussions of costs and actioning cost-reduction strategies within their control, but feelings of helplessness when they perceived no solution was available. CONCLUSION: Identifying financial needs and providing transparent information about cancer-related costs was viewed as a cross-disciplinary responsibility, however, a lack of training and services limited the provision of support. Increased cancer-specific financial counselling and advocacy, via dedicated roles or developing HCPs' skills, is urgently needed within the healthcare system.

Differences in the pattern and cost of hospital care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases are important contributors to the mortality gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. AIMS: This cohort study examined factors associated with hospital admissions and healthcare outcomes among Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis. METHODS: Patient-reported outcomes were obtained by face-to-face interview (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36 (SF-36)). Clinical data were extracted from medical records and through data linkage for 534 patients (25 indigenous). Cumulative overall survival (Kaplan-Meier), rates of hospital admissions and emergency presentations, and costs were assessed by indigenous status. Incidence rate ratios (IRR; Poisson regression) were reported. RESULTS: Indigenous Australians admitted to hospital with cirrhosis had lower educational status compared with non-indigenous patients (79.2% vs 43.4%; P < 0.001). The two groups had, in general, similar clinical characteristics including disease severity (P = 0.78), presence of cirrhosis complications (P = 0.67), comorbidities (P = 0.62), rates of cirrhosis-related admissions (P = 0.86) and 5-year survival (P = 0.30). However, indigenous patients had a lower score in the SF-36 domain related to bodily pain (P = 0.037), more cirrhosis admissions via the emergency department (IRR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.83) and fewer planned cirrhosis admissions (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.72). The total cost for cirrhosis-related hospital admissions for 534 patients over 6 years (July 2012 to June 2018) was A$13.7 million. The cost of cirrhosis-related hospital admissions was double for indigenous patients (cost ratio = 2.04, 95% CI 2.04-2.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the disparities in health service use and patient-reported outcomes, despite having similar clinical profiles. Integration between primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and liver specialists is critical for appropriate health service delivery and effective use of resources. Chronic liver disease costs the community dearly.

Patterns and cost of care according to keratinocyte cancer risk stratification in a volunteer population screening clinic: Real-world data from the TRoPICS study.

BACKGROUND: Risk prediction tools have been developed for keratinocyte cancers (KCs) to effectively categorize individuals with different levels of skin cancer burden. Few have been clinically validated nor routinely used in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether risk prediction tool categories associate with interventions including chemoprophylaxis for skin cancer, and health-care costs in a dermatologist-run screening clinic. METHODS: Adult participants who presented to a walk-in screening facility were invited to participate. A self-completed KC risk prediction tool was used to classify participants into one of the five risk categories. Participants subsequently underwent full skin examination by a dermatologist. Dermatological interventions and skin cancer-related medical prescriptions were documented. Total health-care costs, both to the health-care system and patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 507 participants recruited, 5-fluorouracil cream and nicotinamide were more frequently prescribed in the higher risk groups as chemoprophylaxis (p < 0.005). A significant association with high predicted risk was also observed in the use of cryotherapy and curettage and cautery (p < 0.05). The average health-care costs associated with a skin check visit increased from $90 ± 37 (standard deviation) in the lowest risk group to $149 ± 97 in the highest risk group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a positive association between higher predicted risk of skin cancer and the prescription of chemoprophylaxis and health-care costs involved with opportunistic community skin cancer screening. A clinical use of risk stratification may be to provide an opportunity for clinicians to discuss skin cancer prevention and chemoprophylaxis with individual patients.

It is time to update sun safety campaigns to recognise population diversity: Findings from two citizens' juries in Australia.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: While the links between sun exposure and skin cancer are well known, the benefits of sun exposure, particularly as a source of vitamin D, are less well known. This paper reports on a deliberative study exploring public perspectives about sun exposure harms and benefits. METHODS: Two citizens' juries were conducted in Brisbane and Adelaide to consider questions about sun exposure, vitamin D and health promotion. Members of the general population (jurors) listened to evidence from expert witnesses about the harms and benefits of sun exposure. Most witness sessions extended for 60 min, with 6 sessions over 2 days. At each citizens' jury, jurors were asked to listen to expert testimony, consider the evidence and make policy recommendations. The planning and design of the citizens' juries were informed by well-established citizens' jury methods. RESULTS: Jurors proposed that Australia needs improved public information about the harms and benefits of sun exposure. They argued for information that supports personal decision-making that accounts for differences in skin tone and geographical region. Jurors agreed that Australia needs an updated sun safety campaign that reflects new research and addresses diversity. A one-size-fits-all approach to sun protection may no longer be appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: While a new campaign should address both harms and benefits, jurors felt the need for skin cancer prevention outweighs the desirability of generating vitamin D through sun exposure. More nuanced public health messages are needed, which balance the need for skin protection and vitamin D, and acknowledge the diversity of Australia's population. SO WHAT?: Previous research studies are typically siloed into the separate areas of vitamin D or skin cancer research. This study incorporated both topics and pooled the views of participants in two citizens' juries who agreed on the need for improved information about the harms and benefits of sun exposure to reflect a modern Australian population.

Cost-effectiveness of a policy-based intervention to reduce melanoma and other skin cancers associated with indoor tanning.

BACKGROUND: The use of indoor tanning devices causes melanoma and other skin cancers with resulting morbidity, mortality and increased healthcare costs. Policymakers require robust economic evidence to inform decisions about a possible ban of such devices to mitigate these burdens. OBJECTIVES: To assess the health costs and consequences of introducing a policy-based intervention across England to ban commercial indoor tanning with an accompanying public information campaign. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis, adopting a healthcare system perspective, was conducted using a decision model to track a national cohort of 18-year-olds over a lifetime time horizon. A nationwide ban on commercial indoor tanning combined with a public information campaign (the policy-based intervention) was compared with the status quo of availability of commercial indoor tanning. The expected costs (currency, GBP; price year, 2019) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated. Net monetary benefit (NMB) (net benefit measured in cost compared with an accepted threshold) and net health benefit (NHB) (net gain in QALYs compared with an accepted threshold) of implementation were calculated. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to calculate the probability that the intervention was cost-effective. RESULTS: Compared with the current situation, a ban on commercial indoor tanning combined with a public information campaign would result in 1206 avoided cases of melanoma, 207 fewer melanoma deaths and 3987 averted cases of keratinocyte cancers over the lifetime of all 18-year-olds (n = 618 873) living in England in 2019. An additional 497 QALYs would be realized along with healthcare cost-savings of £697 858. This intervention would result in an NMB of £10.6m and an NHB of 530 QALYS. Multiple sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. At a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20 000, there is a 99% likelihood of this policy-based intervention being cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a ban on commercial indoor tanning across England with an accompanying public information campaign would be an effective use of healthcare resources.

Early cost-utility analysis of genetically guided therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Existing gene panels were developed to understand the etiology of epilepsy, and further benefits will arise from an effective pharmacogenomics panel for personalizing therapy and achieving seizure control. Our study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a pharmacogenomics panel for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, compared with usual care. METHODS: A cost-utility analysis was employed using a discrete event simulation model. The microsimulation model aggregated the costs and benefits of genetically guided treatment versus usual care for 5000 simulated patients. The 10-year model combined data from various sources including genomic databases on prevalence of variants, population-level pharmaceutical claims on antiseizure medications, published long-term therapy retention rates, patient-level cost data, and systematic reviews. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was computed. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to address uncertainty in model parameters. RESULTS: The mean cost of the genetically guided treatment option was AU$98 199 compared with AU$95 386 for usual care. Corresponding mean QALYs were 4.67 compared with 4.28 for genetically guided and usual care strategies, respectively. The incremental cost per QALY gained was AU$7381. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the incremental cost per QALY gained was AU$6321 (95% uncertainty interval = AU$3604-AU$9621), with a 100% likelihood of being cost-effective in the Australian health care system. The most influential drivers of the findings were the monthly health care costs associated with reduced seizures, costs when seizures continued, and the quality-of-life estimates under genetically guided and usual care strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: This early economic evaluation of a pharmacogenomics panel to guide treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy could potentially be cost-effective in the Australian health care system. Clinical trial evidence is necessary to confirm these findings.

Poor disease knowledge is associated with higher healthcare service use and costs among patients with cirrhosis: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of cirrhosis is complex, and patients often lack knowledge and skills, which can affect self-management. We assessed patient knowledge about cirrhosis and examined whether knowledge was associated with clinical outcomes, healthcare service use, and healthcare costs. A cross-sectional 'knowledge survey' was conducted during 2018-2020. We assessed patient knowledge about cirrhosis and explore whether knowledge was associated with clinical outcomes, healthcare service use, and costs. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis (n = 123) completed a 'knowledge survey'. We calculated the proportion of correct answers to eight questions deemed to be "key knowledge" about cirrhosis by an expert panel, and dichotomized patients as 'good knowledge'/'poor knowledge'. Clinical data, healthcare costs, and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were available. RESULTS: 58.5% of patients had 'good knowledge' about cirrhosis. Higher education level was associated with higher odds of having 'good knowledge' about cirrhosis (adjusted-OR = 5.55, 95%CI 2.40-12.84). Compared to patients with 'poor knowledge', those with 'good knowledge' had a higher health status in the SF-36 physical functioning domain (p = 0.011), fewer cirrhosis-related admissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.59, 95%CI 0.35-0.99) and emergency presentations (adj-IRR = 0.34, 95%CI 0.16-0.72), and more planned 1-day cirrhosis admissions (adj-IRR = 3.96, 95%CI 1.46-10.74). The total cost of cirrhosis admissions was lower for patients with 'good knowledge' (adj-IRR = 0.30, 95%CI 0.29-0.30). CONCLUSION: Poor disease knowledge is associated with increased use and total cost of healthcare services. Targeted educational interventions to improve patient knowledge may be an effective strategy to promote a more cost-effective use of healthcare services.

Out-of-pocket medical expenses compared across five years for patients with one of five common cancers in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Patient medical out-of-pocket expenses are thought to be rising worldwide yet data describing trends over time is scant. We evaluated trends of out-of-pocket expenses for patients in Australia with one of five major cancers in the first-year after diagnosis. METHODS: Participants from the QSKIN Sun and Health prospective cohort Study with a histologically confirmed breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, or prostate cancer diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 were included (n = 1965). Medicare claims data on out-of-pocket expenses were analysed using a two-part model adjusted for year of diagnosis, health insurance status, age and education level. Fisher price and quantity indexes were also calculated to assess prices and volumes separately. RESULTS: On average, patients with cancer diagnosed in 2015 spent 70% more out-of-pocket on direct medical expenses than those diagnosed in 2011. Out-of-pocket expenses increased significantly for patients with breast cancer (mean AU$2513 in 2011 to AU$6802 in 2015). Out-of-pocket expenses were higher overall for individuals with private health insurance. For prostate cancer, expenses increased for those without private health insurance over time (mean AU$1586 in 2011 to AU$4748 in 2014) and remained stable for those with private health insurance (AU$4397 in 2011 to AU$5623 in 2015). There were progressive increases in prices and quantities of medical services for patients with melanoma, breast and lung cancer. For all cancers, prices increased for medicines and doctor attendances but fluctuated for other medical services. CONCLUSION: Out-of-pocket expenses for patients with cancer have increased substantially over time. Such increases were more pronounced for women with breast cancer and those without private health insurance. Increased out-of-pocket expenses arose from both higher prices and higher volumes of health services but differ by cancer type. Further efforts to monitor patient out-of-pocket costs and prevent health inequities are required.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Serum Biomarker Test for Risk-Stratified Liver Ultrasound Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Risk-stratified ultrasound screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), informed by a serum biomarker test, enables resources to be targeted to patients at the highest risk of developing cancer. We aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of risk-stratified screening for HCC in the Australian healthcare system. METHODS: A Markov cohort model was constructed to test 3 scenarios for patients with compensated cirrhosis: (1) risk-stratified screening for high-risk patients, (2) all-inclusive screening, and (3) no formal screening. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to determine the impact of uncertainty. Scenario analyses were used to assess cost-effectiveness in Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to determine the impact of including productivity-related costs of mortality. RESULTS: Both risk-stratified screening and all-inclusive screening programs were cost-effective compared with no formal screening, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of A$39 045 and A$23 090 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), respectively. All-inclusive screening had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of A$4453 compared with risk-stratified screening and had the highest probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of A$50 000 per QALY. Risk-stratified screening had the highest likelihood of cost-effectiveness when the WTP was between A$25 000 and A$35 000 per QALY. Cost-effectiveness results were further strengthened when applied to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cohort and when productivity costs were included. CONCLUSIONS: Cirrhosis population-wide screening for HCC is likely to be cost-effective in Australia. Risk-stratified screening using a serum biomarker test may be cost-effective at lower WTP thresholds.

Hospitalisations for falls and hip fractures attributable to vitamin D deficiency in older Australians.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures. Assuming this association is causal, we aimed to identify the number and proportion of hospitalisations for falls and hip fractures attributable to vitamin D deficiency (25 hydroxy D (25(OH)D) <50 nmol/l) in Australians aged ≥65 years. We used 25(OH)D data from the 2011/12 Australian Health Survey and relative risks from published meta-analyses to calculate population-attributable fractions for falls and hip fracture. We applied these to data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to calculate the number of events each year attributable to vitamin D deficiency. In men and women combined, 8·3 % of hospitalisations for falls (7991 events) and almost 8 % of hospitalisations for hip fractures (1315 events) were attributable to vitamin D deficiency. These findings suggest that, even in a sunny country such as Australia, vitamin D deficiency contributes to a considerable number of hospitalisations as a consequence of falls and for treatment of hip fracture in older Australians; in countries where the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher, the impact will be even greater. It is important to mitigate vitamin D deficiency, but whether this should occur through supplementation or increased sun exposure needs consideration of the benefits, harms, practicalities and costs of both approaches.

Prospective cohort study: Causes of stillbirth in Australia 2013-2018.

BACKGROUND: Stillbirth is a major public health problem that is slow to improve in Australia. Understanding the causes of stillbirth through appropriate investigation is the cornerstone of prevention and important for parents to understand why their baby died. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess compliance with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Perinatal Mortality Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009) for stillbirths. METHODS: This is a prospective multi-centred cohort study of stillbirths at participating hospitals (2013-2018). Data were recorded into a purpose-built database. The frequency of the recommended core investigations was calculated, and χ2 test was performed for subgroup analyses by gestational age groups and timing of fetal death. A 70% compliance threshold was defined for investigations. The cause of death categories was provided according to PSANZ Perinatal Death Classification. RESULTS: Among 697 reported total stillbirths, 562 (81%) were antepartum, and 101 (15%) were intrapartum. The most common cause of death categories were 'congenital abnormality' (12.5%), 'specific perinatal conditions' (12.2%) and 'unexplained antepartum death' (29%). According to 2009 guidelines, there were no stillbirths where all recommended investigations were performed (including or excluding autopsy). A compliance of 70% was observed for comprehensive history (82%), full blood count (94%), cytomegalovirus (71%), toxoplasmosis (70%), renal function (75%), liver function (79%), external examination (86%), post-mortem examination (84%) and placental histopathology (92%). The overall autopsy rate was 52%. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with recommended investigations for stillbirth was suboptimal, and many stillbirths remain unexplained. Education on the value of investigations for stillbirth is needed. Future studies should focus on understanding the yield and value of investigations and service delivery gaps that impact compliance.

Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Genome Sequencing Availability on Containing a Hospital Outbreak of Resistant Escherichia coli in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outbreak size and hospital cost effects of bacterial whole-genome sequencing availability in managing a large-scale hospital outbreak. METHODS: We built a hybrid discrete event/agent-based simulation model to replicate a serious bacterial outbreak of resistant Escherichia coli in a large metropolitan public hospital during 2017. We tested the 3 strategies of using whole-genome sequencing early, late (actual outbreak), or not using it and assessed their associated outbreak size and hospital cost. The model included ward dynamics, pathogen transmission, and associated hospital costs during a 5-month outbreak. Model parameters were determined using data from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection (N = 4809 patient admissions) and local clinical knowledge. Sensitivity analyses were performed to address model and parameter uncertainty. RESULTS: An estimated 197 patients were colonized during the outbreak, with 75 patients detected. The total outbreak cost was A$460 137 (US$317 117), with 6.1% spent on sequencing. Without sequencing, the outbreak was estimated to result in 352 colonized patients, costing A$766 921 (US$528 547). With earlier detection from use of routine sequencing, the estimated outbreak size was 3 patients and cost A$65 374 (US$45 054). CONCLUSIONS: Using whole-genome sequencing in hospital outbreak management was associated with smaller outbreaks and cost savings, with sequencing costs as a small fraction of total hospital costs, supporting the further investigation of the use of routine whole-genome sequencing in hospitals.

A hybrid simulation model approach to examine bacterial genome sequencing during a hospital outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Hospital infection control requires timely detection and identification of organisms, and their antimicrobial susceptibility. We describe a hybrid modeling approach to evaluate whole genome sequencing of pathogens for improving clinical decisions during a 2017 hospital outbreak of OXA-181 carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and the associated economic effects. METHODS: Combining agent-based and discrete-event paradigms, we built a hybrid simulation model to assess hospital ward dynamics, pathogen transmission and colonizations. The model was calibrated to exactly replicate the real-life outcomes of the outbreak at the ward-level. Seven scenarios were assessed including genome sequencing (early or late) and no sequencing (usual care). Model inputs included extent of microbiology and sequencing tests, patient-level data on length of stay, hospital ward movement, cost data and local clinical knowledge. The main outcomes were outbreak size and hospital costs. Model validation and sensitivity analyses were performed to address uncertainty around data inputs and calibration. RESULTS: An estimated 197 patients were colonized during the outbreak with 75 patients detected. The total outbreak cost was US$318,654 with 6.1% of total costs spent on sequencing. Without sequencing, the outbreak was estimated to result in 352 colonized patients costing US$531,109. Microbiology tests were the largest cost component across all scenarios. CONCLUSION: A hybrid simulation approach using the advantages of both agent-based and discrete-event modeling successfully replicated a real-life bacterial hospital outbreak as a foundation for evaluating clinical outcomes and efficiency of outbreak management. Whole genome sequencing of a potentially serious pathogen appears effective in containing an outbreak and minimizing hospital costs.

Estimating the costs of genomic sequencing in cancer control.

BACKGROUND: Despite the rapid uptake of genomic technologies within cancer care, few studies provide detailed information on the costs of sequencing across different applications. The objective of the study was to examine and categorise the complete costs involved in genomic sequencing for a range of applications within cancer settings. METHODS: We performed a cost-analysis using gross and micro-costing approaches for genomic sequencing performed during 2017/2018 across different settings in Brisbane, Australia. Sequencing was undertaken for patients with lung, breast, oesophageal cancers, melanoma or mesothelioma. Aggregated resource data were captured for a total of 1433 patients and point estimates of per patient costs were generated. Deterministic sensitivity analyses addressed the uncertainty in the estimates. Estimated costs to the public health system for resources were categorised into seven distinct activities in the sequencing process: sampling, extraction, library preparation, sequencing, analysis, data storage and clinical reporting. Costs were also aggregated according to labour, consumables, testing, equipment and 'other' categories. RESULTS: The per person costs were AU$347-429 (2018 US$240-297) for targeted panels, AU$871-$2788 (2018 US$604-1932) for exome sequencing, and AU$2895-4830 (2018 US$2006-3347) for whole genome sequencing. Cost proportions were highest for library preparation/sequencing materials (average 76.8% of total costs), sample extraction (8.1%), data analysis (9.2%) and data storage (2.6%). Capital costs for the sequencers were an additional AU$34-197 (2018 US$24-67) per person. CONCLUSIONS: Total costs were most sensitive to consumables and sequencing activities driven by commercial prices. Per person sequencing costs for cancer are high when tumour/blood pairs require testing. Using the natural steps involved in sequencing and categorising resources accordingly, future evaluations of costs or cost-effectiveness of clinical genomics across cancer projects could be more standardised and facilitate easier comparison of cost drivers.