PHARMACOECONOMICS

Is lCU treatment cost effective? It would seem that leu treatment is cost effective,

according to the findings of an Australian study. The data showed that the cost/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) associated with treatment at a general hospital intensive care unit (leU) in Sydney, Australia, was 'less than 10% of that for some commonly accepted medical interventions'.

The study authors investigated 248 leu admissions at the hospital during a 6-month period in 1986. Patients were followed for 3 years and completed a health questionnaire and the YorkIRosser Index quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire.*

During the 3-year period, 63% of patients were readmitted to hospital and 79% received medication. Personal health status was described as 'excellent' by 4% of patients, 'good' by 27%, 'satisfactory' by 25%, 'fair' by 29%, 'poor' by 12% and 'terrible' by 3%. QOL for long-term survivors was 'generally good', with little difference between diagnostic groups. After 3 years, 150 patients were still alive.

Treatment costs during initial hospitalisation did not correlate with long-term outcome, as measured by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Also, costs and outcomes 'varied markedly' between diagnostic groups. Treatment was most cost effective in patients with asthma and least cost effective in those with pulmonary oedema [see table]. The cost/QALY associated with leu treatment compared favourably with the range of cost-effectiveness ratios seen for some commonly accepted interventions; e.g. from $A4596 for renal transplantation to $A130 000 for zidovudine therapy in patients with AIDS. * The YorWRosser Index QOL questionnaire enables assessment of paIient disability and distress. Kerridge RK, Glasziou Pp, HiJlman KM. The use of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to evaluate treannent in intensive care. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 23: 322-331, ]un 1995 80036>783

0156-270319510995-00071$01.00° Adl. International Umlted 1995. All rlghta reaervad

.7

INPHARMA"'15 Ju11995

PHARMACOECONOMICS

Is lCU treatment cost effective? It would seem that leu treatment is cost effective,

according to the findings of an Australian study. The data showed that the cost/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) associated with treatment at a general hospital intensive care unit (leU) in Sydney, Australia, was 'less than 10% of that for some commonly accepted medical interventions'.

The study authors investigated 248 leu admissions at the hospital during a 6-month period in 1986. Patients were followed for 3 years and completed a health questionnaire and the YorkIRosser Index quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire.*

During the 3-year period, 63% of patients were readmitted to hospital and 79% received medication. Personal health status was described as 'excellent' by 4% of patients, 'good' by 27%, 'satisfactory' by 25%, 'fair' by 29%, 'poor' by 12% and 'terrible' by 3%. QOL for long-term survivors was 'generally good', with little difference between diagnostic groups. After 3 years, 150 patients were still alive.

Treatment costs during initial hospitalisation did not correlate with long-term outcome, as measured by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Also, costs and outcomes 'varied markedly' between diagnostic groups. Treatment was most cost effective in patients with asthma and least cost effective in those with pulmonary oedema [see table]. The cost/QALY associated with leu treatment compared favourably with the range of cost-effectiveness ratios seen for some commonly accepted interventions; e.g. from $A4596 for renal transplantation to $A130 000 for zidovudine therapy in patients with AIDS. * The YorWRosser Index QOL questionnaire enables assessment of paIient disability and distress. Kerridge RK, Glasziou Pp, HiJlman KM. The use of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to evaluate treannent in intensive care. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 23: 322-331, ]un 1995 80036>783

0156-270319510995-00071$01.00° Adl. International Umlted 1995. All rlghta reaervad

.7

INPHARMA"'15 Ju11995