How palliative care can reduce healthcare costs &improve quality of care

The sustainability of the healthcare system has been in question for several years. With rising healthcare costs, limited resources and an aging population, society needs to come up with innovative ideas to reduce healthcare spending. This paper attempts to illustrate how addressing goals of care can have a significant impact on healthcare costs.

An Integrated Rehabilitation Model: An Ideal Framework for Limiting Health Care Costs

The financial crisis has caused a severe limitation of resources for the public health service and rehabilitation. The proposal of integrated diagnosis and treatment in rehabilitation, involving the introduction of new therapeutic models alongside orthodox models, could lead to a reduction in health care costs through better patient compliance. In rehabilitative assistance in health care, the limiting of financial resources can be simplified, given its multifaceted nature and the need to integrate clinical experience with research. In addition, the phases of rehabilitative recovery do not focus on organ damage, but improved participation and the reduction of disability. For this reason, we have considered incorporating narrative based medicine (NBM) and Psycho-Neuro-Immuno-Endocrinology (PNEI) in the rehabilitation process through an empathetic approach, taking evidence based medicine (EBM) into account, thus creating a “framework” of reference. Managing patients through this “framework” would be a move towards an integrated model of care that could lead to a reduction in health care costs, given the aging population and the rise in patients with chronic pain. The decision to modify health care in rehabilitative assistance through a new “framework” will require time, organizational capacity and experimentation, but may represent the appropriate response for an improved quality of life for patients and a better allocation of resources.

Downsizing Health Care in the Community

This study reviewed recent changes in health care utilization in the health care providers of Syracuse, New York. The data indicated the largest decline in the numbers of inpatient volumes involved adult surgery and orthopedics. Numbers of inpatient discharges for this service declined by more than 2900 discharges for the combined Syracuse hospitals. The data also indicated that adult medicine discharges declined by more than 2600 during this time. For Diagnosis Related Groups with discharge differences of 30 or more, adult medicine discharges declined by 451 in neurology, 943 in respiratory medicine, and 625 in circulatory medicine. It was estimated that the value of the inpatient discharges amounted to approximately $1,740,000 in adult surgery and more than $1,560,000 for adult medicine. The savings that were achieved in this process related to staffing, pharmaceuticals, and testing.

Estimating the Future of Health Care at the Community Level

Developments in health care in the United States are changing the delivery of services for providers and payors. This study focused on inpatient hospital discharges in the Syracuse hospitals and other services. It demonstrated that, during the past five years, numbers of inpatient adult medicine discharges had increased while adult surgery discharges had declined. This information suggested that adult medicine discharges could be expected to increase and approach levels of five years ago. It also suggested adult surgery discharges could be expected to remain at previous levels or decline. This information indicated that the combined emergency department visits declined from 238,000 to 202,000 between 2019 and 2020, then increased from 218,000 to 228,000 visits between 2021 and 2023. These developments will probably result in greater efficiency at the community level. With a decline in numbers of inpatient beds, providers will be able to focus on the more efficient management by reducing numbers of staff as well as fewer pharmaceuticals and testing.

Discharging patients home from the intensive care unit:A new trend

Discharging patients directly to home from the intensive care unit(ICU)is becoming a new trend.This review examines the feasibility,benefits,challenges,and considerations of directly discharging ICU patients.By analyzing available evidence and healthcare professionals'experiences,the review explores the potential impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.The practice of direct discharge from the ICU presents both opportunities and complexities.While it can potentially reduce costs,enhance patient comfort,and mitigate complications linked to extended hospitalization,it necessitates meticulous patient selection and robust post-discharge support mechanisms.Implementing this strategy successfully mandates the availability of home-based care services and a careful assessment of the patient's readiness for the transition.Through critical evaluation of existing literature,this review underscores the significance of tailored patient selection criteria and comprehensive post-discharge support systems to ensure patient safety and optimal recovery.The insights provided contribute evidence-based recommendations for refining the direct discharge approach,fostering improved patient outcomes,heightened satisfaction,and streamlined healthcare processes.Ultimately,the review seeks to balance patientcentered care and effective resource utilization within ICU discharge strategies.

Cost-effectiveness of Crohn's disease post-operative care

AIM: To define the cost-effectiveness of strategies, including endoscopy and immunosuppression, to prevent endoscopic recurrence of Crohn’s disease following intestinal resection.METHODS: In the “POCER” study patients undergoing intestinal resection were treated with post-operative drug therapy. Two thirds were randomized to active care (6 mo colonoscopy and drug intensification for endoscopic recurrence) and one third to drug therapy without early endoscopy. Colonoscopy at 18 mo and faecal calprotectin (FC) measurement were used to assess disease recurrence. Administrative data, chart review and patient questionnaires were collected prospectively over 18 mo.RESULTS: Sixty patients (active care n = 43, standard care n = 17) were included from one health service. Median total health care cost was $6440 per patient. Active care cost $4824 more than standard care over 18 mo. Medication accounted for 78% of total cost, of which 90% was for adalimumab. Median health care cost was higher for those with endoscopic recurrence compared to those in remission [$26347 (IQR 25045-27485) vs $2729 (IQR 1182-5215), P < 0.001]. FC to select patients for colonoscopy could reduce cost by $1010 per patient over 18 mo. Active care was associated with 18% decreased endoscopic recurrence, costing $861 for each recurrence prevented.CONCLUSION: Post-operative management strategies are associated with high cost, primarily medication related. Calprotectin use reduces costs. The long term cost-benefit of these strategies remains to be evaluated.

A Study Protocol on the Evaluation of Referral Strategies for Inflammatory Arthritis in Primary Care Patients at the Level of Healthcare Organization, Patient Relevant Outcomes and Costs

Background: Considering the importance of getting the right patient at the right location to maintain and optimize quality of life of inflammatory arthritis patients, appropriate referral by general practitioners is essential. This study aims to assess the effect and cost effectiveness of different referral strategies for inflammatory arthritis in primary care patients. Methods: This study follows a cluster randomized controlled trial design. General practitioners from primary care centers in Southwest-The Netherlands are randomly assigned to either one of the two strategic interventions for referring adult patients who are in the opinion of the general practitioner suspected of inflammatory arthritis: 1) Standardized digital referral algorithm based on existing referral models PEST, CaFaSpA and CARE;2) Triage by a rheumatologist in the local primary care center. These interventions will be compared to a control group, e.g. usual care. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis by the rheumatologist. Secondary outcomes are quality of life as a patient reported outcome, work participation and healthcare costs. These data, including demographic and clinical parameters, are prospectively collected at baseline, three, six, and twelve months. Discussion: If this study can demonstrate improvements in appropriate referrals to the rheumatologist, thereby improving cost-effectiveness, there is sufficient supporting evidence to implement one of the referral strategies as a standard of care. Finally, with these optimization strategies a higher quality of care can be achieved, that might be of value for all patients with arthralgia. Trial Registration: NCT03454438, date of registration: March 5, 2018. Retrospectively registered: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03454438?term=NCT03454438&draw=1&rank=1.

Attributable cost of a nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study

AIM To study the impact of hospital-acquired infections(HAIs) on cost and outcome from intensive care units(ICU) in India. METHODS Adult patients(> 18 years) admitted over 1-year, to a 24-bed medical critical care unit in India, were enrolled prospectively. Treatment cost and outcome data were collected. This cost data was merged with HAI data collected prospectively by the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Only infections occurring during ICU stay were included. The impact of HAI on treatment cost and mortality was assessed. RESULTS The mean(± SD) age of the cohort(n = 499) was42.3 ± 16.5 years. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-Ⅱ score was 13.9(95%CI: 13.3-14.5); 86% were ventilated. ICU and hospital length of stay were 7.8 ± 5.5 and 13.9 ± 10 d respectively. Hospital mortality was 27.9%. During ICU stay, 76(15.3%) patients developed an infection(ventilator-associated pneumonia 50; bloodstream infection 35; urinary tract infections 3), translating to 19.7 infections/1000 ICU days. When compared with those who did not develop an infection, an infection occurring during ICU stay was associated with significantly higher treatment cost [median(inter-quartile range, IQR) INR 92893(USD 1523)(IQR 57168-140286) vs INR 180469(USD 2958)(IQR 140030-237525); P < 0.001 and longer duration of ICU(6.7 ± 4.5 d vs 13.4 ± 7.0 d; P < 0.01) and hospital stay(12.4 ± 8.2 d vs 21.8 ± 13.9 d; P < 0.001)]. However ICU acquired infections did not impact hospital mortality(31.6% vs 27.2%; P = 0.49).CONCLUSION An infection acquired during ICU stay was associated with doubling of treatment cost and prolonged hospitalization but did not significantly increase mortality.

中国老年人口健康状况及其家庭照料需求预测

中国人口老龄化快速发展,失能、半失能老年人口规模迅速扩大,老年照料需求快速增加。科学预测不同失能状况老年人口规模及其照料服务需求是推动老年照护服务体系建设的重要基础。文章基于中国老年健康影响因素跟踪调查(CLHLS)数据,使用Markov模型测算中国分性别、分年龄段老年人口健康状况转移矩阵,运用队列要素预测法、多元回归法等预测得到2020—2035年中国不同失能状况老年人口规模及其照料服务人员需求规模、家庭照料经济成本。预测结果显示:中国失能老年人口规模呈现增长态势,从2020年的1946万人增至2035年的3424万人,失能老年人口的比例从2020年的7.4%小幅增至2035年的7.9%,且中重度失能老年人口增幅更快,2035年时轻度失能老年人口规模相比2020年增加66%,中重度失能老年人口规模相比2020年增加92%。女性失能老年人口规模增速快于男性,80岁及以上老年人口失能比例增长更快,2035年男性70~79岁、80~89岁、90+岁三个年龄组失能老年人口规模分别为2020年的1.53倍、1.92倍、1.94倍;2035年女性三个年龄组失能老年人口规模分别为2020年的1.72倍、2.29倍、2.52倍。老年家庭照料需求将呈现快速增长态势,家庭照料服务人员需求量从2020年的2795万人增至2035年的4863万人,增长74%。2020—2035年健康老年人口的照料服务人员需求量占总需求量的比例在57%左右,中重度失能老年人口需求量占比在24%左右,轻度失能老年人口需求量占比在19%左右。60~69岁老年人口所需的照料服务人员占比最高,90岁及以上年龄组对照料服务人员的需求量增长更快。老年人口家庭照料经济成本从2020年的3027亿元增至2035年的11676亿元,将增长近3倍。中重度失能老年人口所需的家庭照料现金成本相比2020年增长3.1倍,轻度失能老年人口所需的家庭照料现金成本相比2020年增长2.6倍。男性老年人口所需家庭照料现金成本低于女性老年人口,且增速也低于女性老年人口。本研究基于定量预测结果提出积极推进健康老龄化,加大促进生育的政策支持力度,尽快推广长期照护保险制度,以赋能家庭为着力点加强失能老年人口的支持体系建设,大力发展老年护理服务业,大力发展养老护理职业教育等政策建议。

儿童照料费用对女性劳动参与决策的影响研究

自我国开始市场化改革以来,我国女性劳动参与率呈现不断下降的趋势,且长期低于男性劳动参与率。受传统家庭劳动分工的影响,女性在家庭中承担着养育孩子的主要责任,因而与儿童照料相关的成本负担通常会对女性劳动供给产生一定的负面影响。在我国进行托育制度改革后,公共托育体系的瓦解抬高了儿童托育服务的价格。目前,我国女性劳动参与率的持续下降与儿童照料费用的不断增加有着密切联系。基于此观察,利用中国健康和营养调查(CHNS)1991~2015年九期调查数据,创新性地利用了社区0~6岁儿童托幼机构的托儿费支出这一指标,综合使用Probit模型和工具变量法实证分析了儿童照料费用对我国女性劳动参与决策的影响。研究结果发现:儿童照料费用的增加显著降低了女性的劳动参与率。异质性分析表明,儿童照料费用的增加对于城镇、受教育程度较低、30岁以下和中低收入水平家庭的女性劳动参与率的负面影响更为明显。稳健性分析表明,儿童照料费用的增加对男性劳动参与率没有显著的负面影响;在控制内生性后,儿童照料费用对女性劳动参与率的负向影响显著增强。在生育政策完全放开的背景下,完善普惠托幼服务体系、健全女性就业保障制度和倡导男性共同承担育儿责任是提升我国女性劳动参与率的重要措施。

北京市综合医改前后社区卫生服务机构治疗费用的受益人群分析

背景厘清社区卫生服务机构主要服务的人群特点,对下一步社区卫生服务机构的精准改革具有十分重要的意义。目的通过分析综合改革前后北京市社区卫生服务机构治疗费用的受益人群特征,为下一步改革政策制定和调整提供精准的数据支持。方法本研究基础数据来源于2016—2019年北京市卫生总费用核算基础数据库,其他数据来源于2016—2019年《北京市卫生健康统计年鉴》《北京市卫生财务统计年报》《北京市卫生费用核算报告》等。采用多阶段分层整群抽样的方案选取社区卫生服务机构,从HIS系统纳入全年的门诊数据、住院患者的数据。采用卫生费用核算体系2011(SHA2011)核算、分析社区卫生服务机构治疗费用的受益人群状况。结果2016—2019年北京市社区卫生服务机构治疗费用从121.81亿元增长至222.45亿元,年均增长19.07%。40岁以上中老年患者治疗费用历年占比均在92%以上,60~岁、80~岁两个年龄组患者治疗费用增长较快,年均增速分别为24.08%、25.84%;治疗费用中内分泌、营养和代谢疾病,症状、体征和检验异常、循环系统疾病占比最高,内分泌、营养和代谢疾病,神经系统疾病,症状、体征和检验异常疾病治疗费用增长较快,年均增速分别为40.11%、48.40%和32.43%。结论综合改革后分级诊疗成效初显,社区医疗服务资源主要由中老年患者、内分泌、循环系统等慢性非传染性疾病患者所消耗,改革引导更多中老年和慢性病患者流向社区,社区卫生服务机构应该从服务能力、人才队伍、慢性病管理、医联体建设等多方面着手,提升其服务能力,巩固和维持改革的效果。

Cost effectiveness of intensive care in a low resource setting: A prospective cohort of medical critically ill patients

AIM: To calculate cost effectiveness of the treatment of critically ill patients in a medical intensive care unit(ICU) of a middle income country with limited access to ICU resources. METHODS: A prospective cohort study and economic evaluation of consecutive patients treated in a recently established medical ICU in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A cost utility analysis of the intensive care of critically ill patients compared to the hospital ward treatment from the perspective of the health care system was subsequently performed. Incremental cost effectiveness was calculated using estimates of ICU vs non-ICU treatment effectiveness based on a formal systematic review of published studies. Decision analytic modeling was used to compare treatment alternatives. Sensitivity analyses of the key model parameters were performed.RESULTS: Out of 148 patients, seventy patients(47.2%) survived to one year after critical illness with a median quality of life index 0.64 [interquartile range(IQR)0.49-0.76]. Median number of life years gained per patient was 30(IQR 16-40) or 18 quality adjusted life years(QALYs)(IQR 7-28). The cost of treatment of critically ill patients varied between 1820 dollar and20109 dollar per hospital survivor and between 100 dollar and 2514 dollar per QALY saved. Mean factors that influenced costs were: Age, diagnostic category,ICU and hospital length of stay and number and type of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio for ICU treatment was estimated at 3254 dollar per QALY corresponding to35% of per capita GDP or a Very Cost Effective category according to World Health Organization criteria.CONCLUSION: The ICU treatment of critically ill medica patients in a resource poor country is cost effective and compares favorably with other medical interventions.Public health authorities in low and middle income countries should encourage development of critical care services.

机构养老模式的医疗费用和健康结果评估研究——基于价值医疗视角

随着老龄化程度的加深和家庭养老能力的降低,机构养老的需求量不断攀升。本文基于价值医疗视角,采用中国老年健康影响因素跟踪调查(CLHLS)数据,运用固定效应模型对机构养老模式的医疗费用和健康结果进行评估。研究发现:机构养老模式有利于降低医疗费用;机构养老模式通过减少问诊就医和住院治疗进而降低老年人的医疗费用,通过规范老年人生活方式、提高医疗效率进而提升老年人健康水平,但机构养老模式缺乏对心理健康的关注,不利于提升老年人健康水平。机构养老模式的医疗控费效果在轻度失能和中度失能老年人中更为明显,且机构养老模式明显降低了失智老年人的健康水平。本文的研究对于实现价值医疗目标的同时提升机构养老服务质量具有一定的参考价值。

MAC技术优化日间宫腔镜手术麻醉成本的探索——基于TDABC核算模型的研究

该研究通过回顾天坛医院2021年10月-2022年9月的日间宫腔镜手术,借助估时作业成本(Timedriven Activity-based Costing,TDABC)模型计算麻醉成本,并记录围术期不良事件,评价了日间宫腔镜手术采用监测下麻醉管理(Monitored Anesthesia Care,MAC)技术消耗的麻醉成本及其安全性。717例患者完成麻醉和手术,其中466例接受了MAC麻醉,251例接受了传统的全身麻醉(General Anesthesia,GA)。MAC组平均麻醉成本为889.84元/例,明显低于GA组(1143.57元/例,P<0.0001)。MAC组围术期不良事件发生率(3.65%),与传统GA组(6.37%)相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.0965),两组均无严重不良后果。多元回归分析显示,MAC组麻醉成本与患者年龄、手术时间和麻醉时间都有相关性(P<0.01)。MAC作为安全、有效的麻醉技术,可显著降低麻醉成本。麻醉医生可以借助TDABC模型进行成本核算,同时优化临床路径和成本控制。

Outcomes and Cost Effectiveness of a Respiratory Coordinated Care Program in Patients with Severe or Very Severe COPD

Multidisciplinary community coordinated care programs are widely adopted to optimise care of chronic disease patients, but there is a need for further evaluation in the setting of COPD. This observational study evaluated 147 patients with severe or very severe COPD who were enrolled in a multidisciplinary community respiratory coordinated care program (RCCP) from 2007 to 2012. Comparison was made of hospitalisation rates and length of stay for 12 months prior to joining the program, and the first 12 months after joining the program. This data was used to inform a cost analysis. Enrolment into RCCP halved the annual hospital admission rate from 1.18 to 0.57 admissions per year (relative risk reduction 51.4%, p < 0.001), and annual total length of stay was reduced from 8.06 to 3.59 days per patient per year (p < 0.001). Hospital admissions were reduced from 5.05 days to 2.00 days (p < 0.001). Accounting for the program’s costs, these changes resulted in a $US 906.94 ($AUD 972.80) cost saving per patient per year. A RCCP program can reduce patient hospitalisation and overall costs in the COPD setting.

DIP改革下医院以价值为导向的质量和成本双控制管理对策

目的:分析DIP支付方式改革对公立医院的影响,探讨基于价值医疗为导向的医院医保和运营模式的转变,为公立医院高质量管理提供参考。方法:主要从质量管理和成本管控两方面着手,构建病种战略管理、一体化临床路径、病案首页质量管理、无效成本管控等精细化运营管理体系,并形成自我强化监督的机制。结果:医院提高管理效能,趋向于医、保、患三方利益均衡。结论:以价值为导向的DIP付费倒逼公立医院管理的变革,促使公立医院回归价值医疗的本质。公立医院应站在更高角度,顺应改革需求,克服改革中的困难,持续动态优化和调整,实现高质量发展。

内蒙古通辽市老年期痴呆的社会成本研究

目的:从社会角度估算通辽市老年期痴呆的疾病成本,并探索社会成本的影响因素。方法:采用10/66老年期痴呆系列研究评估工具诊断老年期痴呆,并收集老年人医疗服务次数、照护者的照护时间或支出,以及照护者的照护痛苦。采用成本比例换算法参考国家统计年鉴数据估计医疗服务的次均费用,采用人力资本法估算非正式照护者照护时间的单位价值,采用意愿支付法测量照护者痛苦带来的无形成本。以2023年为参照年计算老年期痴呆的社会总成本,并使用两部分模型分析成本的影响因素。结果:本研究共诊断390例老年期痴呆患者,人均社会成本为117877元/a。其中,非正式照护成本占比最大,达73.1%。女性患者社会成本比男性患者高61395元。共患脑卒中的患者比没有共患的患者的社会成本高63008元,患者每多患有一种慢性病,社会成本增加5868元,患者每多一项临床痴呆评分量表非记忆维度损伤,社会成本增加53997元。结论:老年期痴呆导致重大社会经济负担,非正式照护是重要的组成部分。

低价值医疗服务风险评估研究——以子宫切除术为例

目的:评估低价值医疗服务的风险。方法:基于文献回顾和四川省2016—2020年病案首页数据,构建低价值子宫切除术的风险评估指标,从全社会、患者、卫生体系和支付方四个角度构建决策树模型并进行成本-效果分析。结果:低价值子宫切除术提供比例为17.8%,其健康临床风险、健康人文风险和健康经济风险均高于替代服务,从全社会和患者角度看,低价值子宫切除术属于高成本、低效果服务;从卫生体系和支付方角度看,低价值子宫切除术属于低成本、低效果服务;成本-效果分析显示,以有效率和并发症发生情况为产出,低价值子宫切除术的经济性较差。结论:低价值子宫切除术具有较高风险,风险程度因成本测算角度不同而存在差异,需要进一步扩充低价值医疗服务的证据,从而制定更加科学全面的临床指南和政策。

北京市失能老年人失能等级对非正式照护成本的影响研究

目的:以北京市失能老年人为研究对象,分析失能老年人失能等级对非正式照护成本的影响。方法:使用中国老年健康影响因素跟踪调查(Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey,CLHLS)2005年、2008年、2011年、2014年、2018年5期调查数据,探究失能老年人失能等级对非正式照护的支出和时间的影响。结果:失能等级对非正式照护成本具有显著影响,老年人失能等级越高,其接受的非正式照护的支出和时间越多;子女和其他亲属与失能老年人的配偶在非正式照护时间的提供上具有一定的替代性;相较于与家人居住的老年人,独居老年人接受的非正式照护的时间明显降低。结论:建议加强对子女等非正式照护者的照护技能培训,提升非正式照护质量,同时积极探索多种形式的照护方式,例如推进正式照护以满足不同失能老年人的照护需求。

长期护理保险需求成本评估与趋势预测——基于连续时间齐次Markov模型的分析

基于CHARLS数据库,本文采用连续时间齐次Markov过程描述老年人健康状况的变化过程,预测了我国2021—2049年失能老年人规模与长期护理保险成本趋势。研究结果表明:(1)轻度失能老年人健康状况改善的概率大于恶化的概率,而中度与重度失能老年人身体机能改善的可能性较小,健康状况恶化的可能性更大。(2) 2049年我国60岁及以上中度失能和重度失能老年人预计分别达到3 886万人和3 592万人。(3) 2049年长期护理保险潜在需求成本达3.7万亿元,有效需求成本超过1.4万亿元。两项成本均为2021年的10倍左右。(4) 2021—2049年间长期护理保险有效需求成本与潜在需求成本之间存在42%—78%的巨大差距。长期护理保险需求成本居高不下,需要加强基层公共卫生服务体系建设和医养结合服务供给,积极推进长期护理保险制度定型,并实施多元化的筹资策略。