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Analysis of costs of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Auckland.
- Source :
-
The New Zealand medical journal [N Z Med J] 1993 Sep 22; Vol. 106 (964), pp. 400-3. - Publication Year :
- 1993
-
Abstract
- Aim: This analysis aims to identify the direct costs of rheumatic fever and its sequelae to the Auckland Area Health Board and to describe the indirect and intangible costs to patients.<br />Methods: The annual cost was estimated using primarily 1987 data costed in 1991 dollars. The cost analysis was undertaken in five sections: (1) acute rheumatic fever admissions; (2) surgical admissions; (3) rheumatic heart disease related admissions (nonsurgical); (4) outpatient clinic appointments; and (5) secondary prophylaxis programme. Non hospital board direct costs and indirect and intangible costs are described. Ethnic distribution and subsequent economic burden were analysed for each section.<br />Results: The total cost to the health board was estimated to be $3.60M. The management of chronic rheumatic heart disease accounts for 71% of the cost. Rheumatic heart disease related nonsurgical admissions cost $1,228,495 (34%), surgical admissions $846,235 (23%) and outpatient clinic appointments $490,060 (14%) respectively. Both Maori (30% of costs, $1.1M) and Pacific Island people (36% of costs, $1.3M) are disproportionately affected by this largely preventable disease. Of the total cost 13% is spent on coordinated secondary prevention programmes.<br />Conclusion: An energetic secondary prevention programme over 10 years to prevent recurrences and the development of carditis has only partially reduced the rate of rheumatic heart disease. A targeted primary prevention pilot programme should be actively considered.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0028-8446
- Volume :
- 106
- Issue :
- 964
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The New Zealand medical journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 8377955