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Abstract #12193 Published in IGR 7-2
Health economical evaluation of the 'Salzburg-Moorfields-Collaborative-Glaucoma-Study': Present and future costs for a glaucoma screening program
Hitzl W; Hornykewycz K; Ortner C; Reitsamer H; Stollinger M; Grabner GSpektrum der Augenheilkunde 2005; 19: 23-27
PURPOSE: The 'Salzburg-Moorsfields-Collaborative-Glaucotna-Study' was initiated in December 1996 and is designed for at least 10 years. This study - supported by the federal health department - is aimed as a glaucoma screening program and a glaucoma blindness prevention program. This study concerning the health economic evaluation has three OBJECTIVES: Firstly, lower bounds for the costs of an initial and of follow-up investigations in the glaucoma screening program should be given. Secondly, accurate estimations for projected costs, working costs and organizational expense should be given. Thirdly, different scenarios for an optimal time at which a patient should enter in a glaucoma program should be given. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical check-up 'Keine Chance dem Grünen Star' is offered to the population of Salzburg for free. This very well accepted screening program offers a complete ophthalmologic investigation, as well as all modern methods based on topographic imaging. At the moment, diagnostic findings concerning optic nerve head topography (TopSS), scanning-laser-polarimetry (GDx), pachymetry, motion-sensitivity perimetry (MST) und computer-perimetry (CP) of more than 8100 investigations are available. Using this large data source together with up-to-date results of the census 2001 and population projections of STATISTIK AUSTRIA, estimations for the arising costs are given. RESULTS: 1. Estimations of the working costs (medical doctors and medical laboratory assistants): Initial investigation: EURO 73, control investigation: EURO 18 and follow-up investigation: EURO 68. If these costs are extended with acquisition costs for medical equipment and additional specified working costs, the total costs/patient (incl. follow-up in 7 years) are EURO 152. 2. The proportion of persons at the age of 60 or more in Austria will increase from 21% (2001), to 32% (2030) and 36% (2050). When applying these data, an estimated increase of work and working costs of 60% (2030), 80% (2050) has to expected when related to 2001 (= 100%). 3. The estimated personnel costs for a patient without risk of glaucoma are EURO 673, if the investigation is started at the age of 40, EURO 525 at the age of 50, EURO 376 at the age of 60 and EURO 228 at the age of 70 years. DISCUSSION: Current evaluations of the 'Salzburg-Moorfield-Collaborative-Glaucoma-Study' provide lower bounds for the costs of a glaucoma screening program, especially concerning the required working costs, direct costs and expense of organization. The results serve as basis for further health economic discussions and conclusions. LA: German
Dr. W. Hitzl, Universitäts-Klinik Augenheilkunde O., St.-Johanns-Spital, Salzburger Landeskliniken, Salzburg, Austria
Classification:
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics
