A cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of C-reactive protein point-of-care testing to guide antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections in primary care settings in Ireland: a decision-analytic model.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 60% of antibiotics issued in primary care are for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs), which are largely self-limiting and do not require antibiotics. Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices that measure C-reactive protein (CRP)-a biomarker for infection-can be used to guide prescribing decisions. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of a national CRP POCT program to guide antibiotic prescribing for acute RTIs in primary care in Ireland. METHODS: We compared CRP POCT with and without enhanced communication skills training of general practitioners against usual care. A probabilistic decision tree was used to investigate cost-effectiveness from the perspective of the healthcare system. The model considered outcomes for the Irish population over a 5-year time horizon. Inputs were synthesized from published studies. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using an incremental cost per prescription avoided. RESULTS: CRP POCT with and without communication training were more costly but more effective than usual care over 5 years. CRP POCT alone was dominated, while the combined intervention had a cost per prescription avoided of €111 (95% CI: €45-243) versus usual care. The budget impact was costly over 5 years, but potential budget savings were available depending on the implementation scenario. The findings were largely robust to sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: CRP POCT reduces antibiotic prescribing, but increases healthcare costs. The most cost-effective program of CRP POCT includes enhanced communication skills training. Further research on the impact of CRP POCT beyond 5 years is warranted, as well as the potential impact on antimicrobial resistance.

Assessment, diagnosis, and management of hypersexual disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines recent advances in conceptualizing and treating hypersexual disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies on hypersexual disorders, inferred from research on their associated descriptors, suggest that these disorders have a strong relationship to a number of areas of functioning, in particular, self-regulation and sexually offensive behavior. SUMMARY: The proposed inclusion of hypersexual disorders in the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V may address many of the current issues related to the lack of empirical research on hypersexuality. Although there have been some gains made on understanding hypersexuality, there remains a lack of consensus and empirical research on hypersexual disorders. There are also an insufficient number of controlled studies on the efficacy of pharmacological and psychological treatments for hypersexual behavior problems.