Cost of Treating Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Spain: Analysis of MICADOS Study Data by Disease Stage. / Evaluación de los costes asociados a la enfermedad de pacientes con linfoma cutáneo de células T en España: análisis en función del estadio clínico (estudio MICADOS).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The cost of treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in Spain is unknown. With the advent of new treatments, it is more important than ever to gain an accurate picture of the true costs involved. The MICADOS study had 2 primary objectives: 1)to evaluate the impact of CTCL on patient quality of life, and 2)to evaluate the costs associated with the disease. This article reports the results of the cost analysis. METHODS: We estimated the cost of treating CTCL over a period of 1year from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System. Twenty-three dermatologists and hematologists from 15 public hospitals analyzed data for adult patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS). RESULTS: A total of 141 patients (57.4% male) with a mean age of 63.6 years (95%CI: 61.4-65.7 years) were included. The mean direct annual cost of treating CTCL was €34,214 per patient. The corresponding costs by stage were €11,952.47 for stageI disease, €23,506.21 for stageII disease, €38,771.81 for stageIII disease, and €72,748.84 for stageIV disease. The total direct annual cost of treating MF/SS in public hospitals in Spain was estimated at €78,301,171; stageI disease accounted for 81% of all costs, stageII for 7%, and stagesIII andIV for 6% each. CONCLUSIONS: The MICADOS study offers an accurate picture of the direct cost of treating CTCL in patients with MF/SS in Spain and shows that costs vary significantly according to disease stage. Patient-borne and indirect costs should be analyzed in future studies.

[Translated article] Cost of Treating Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Spain: Analysis of MICADOS Study Data by Disease Stage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The cost of treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in Spain is unknown. With the advent of new treatments, it is more important than ever to gain an accurate picture of the true costs involved. The MICADOS study had 2 primary objectives: 1)to evaluate the impact of CTCL on patient quality of life, and 2)to evaluate the costs associated with the disease. This article reports the results of the cost analysis. METHODS: We estimated the cost of treating CTCL over a period of 1year from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System. Twenty-three dermatologists and hematologists from 15 public hospitals analyzed data for adult patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS). RESULTS: A total of 141 patients (57.4% male) with a mean age of 63.6 years (95%CI: 61.4-65.7 years) were included. The mean direct annual cost of treating CTCL was €34,214 per patient. The corresponding costs by stage were €11,952.47 for stageI disease, €23,506.21 for stageII disease, €38,771.81 for stageIII disease, and €72,748.84 for stageIV disease. The total direct annual cost of treating MF/SS in public hospitals in Spain was estimated at €78,301,171; stageI disease accounted for 81% of all costs, stageII for 7%, and stagesIII andIV for 6% each. CONCLUSIONS: The MICADOS study offers an accurate picture of the direct cost of treating CTCL in patients with MF/SS in Spain and shows that costs vary significantly according to disease stage. Patient-borne and indirect costs should be analyzed in future studies.

[A description and consensus on the role of the professional in the integral management of the haematology patient: Results of a national multicentre Delphi study]. / Descripción y consenso del rol del profesional de enfermería en la gestión integral del paciente hematológico: resultados de un estudio Delphi multicéntrico nacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Haematology Service has undergone significant advances in recent years. Given the vital part played by the nurse in the care of the haematology patient, ensuring optimal management by adapting their role to meet the current healthcare needs is a priority. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of agreement among professionals of the Haematology Service regarding the role of the nursing professional and their importance in the comprehensive management of these patients in a multidisciplinary work setting. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A national multicentre Delphi study with haematology specialists and nursing professionals. A two-round questionnaire was used, and consensus was reached when > 75% of the panellists scored on the same tertile (1-3: disagreement, 7-9: agreement), and the interquartile range of the median of the responses was ≤4. RESULTS: A total of 33 professionals from the Haematology Department were invited to participate, of whom 19 were haematology specialists and 14 were nursing professionals. In the first round, 25 panellists responded (14 haematology specialists and 11 nursing professionals), and in the second round, 22 panellists responded (12 haematology specialists and 10 nursing professionals). The panel of experts agreed that haematology nurses should have specific training in haematology (96%) and on the definition of the role of nursing in the care process of the haematology patient, except in the possible participation in decision-making with regard to the most appropriate oncological treatment for a patient (58%). The role of the nursing professional as a reference for the patient throughout the healthcare process and their involvement in the process at the time of diagnosis were agreed upon in the second round (72.7% and 68.2%). Their role in the control of nutritional status (100%), visit compliance (96%), and health education for the patient and the family (96%) were included in the highly agreed upon aspects. The panel considered the improvement of adherence to treatment (96%), and the role as consultant for specific care of the haematology patient within the hospital (96%) as important aspects. Together with health education and patient follow-up, a total of 88% of the panellists considered that the haematology nurse reduces patient visits to the emergency department as well as physical visits to the outpatient clinics of the health centre. CONCLUSIONS: The current profile of the haematology nursing professional implies a high level of specialisation. The competencies of the haematology nursing professional are aimed at guaranteeing an integral management of these patients; with important healthcare functions, as well as a key element in the flow of information, and are framed within a multidisciplinary work setting.