A multicentre, retrospective study of resource utilization and costs associated with glaucoma management in France and Sweden

Abstract

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To assess resource utilization and costs associated with glaucoma management in France and Sweden. Methods: A total of 267 patient records (121 in France, 146 in Sweden) with diagnoses of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OH), treated medically, were reviewed for a 2-year period (beginning during 1997-99) for relevant clinical and resource utilization data. Economic data were applied to estimate treatment costs. Results: The annual cost of treating glaucoma was estimated at SEK5305 (E531)/patient in Sweden and E390/patient in France. In both countries, medication costs comprised about half of the total costs. Surgical procedures and hospitalizations represented greater proportions of total cost in France (7.0% and 9.6%, respectively) than in Sweden (3.7% and 0.6%, respectively). Conclusion: Medication costs represent a high proportion of total treatment costs. These findings highlight the relative importance of medical therapy and of assessing the cost-effectiveness of medications in glaucoma.

Measurement of health‐related quality of life with glaucoma: validation of the Glau‐QoL© 36‐item questionnaire

“…In addition to clinical efficacy, economic perspectives associated with glaucoma and its treatment are becoming increasingly important (Lindblom et al 2006). Our work shows the potential contribution of HRQoL measurements to complement the assessment of treatment impact, as directly perceived by the patient.…”

“…The prevalence of glaucoma is expected to rise significantly in the coming years because of growth in the elderly population. Thus, in addition to the clinical impact of glaucoma, the economic burden of the disease represents a serious concern (Lindblom et al 2006). Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) accounts for up to 90% of all glaucoma cases reported in western populations (Kroese et al 2002).…”

Cost-effectiveness of early detection and treatment of ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma by the ophthalmologist

“…Other published glaucoma cost studies show comparable estimates for yearly costs in Europe and Canada. [45][46][47] In the US the published yearly costs ranged from h486 for early stage of the disease to h1960 for patients with end-stage disease. 48 Differences in unit costs, in medication prices, in the assignment of laser The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio shows extra costs per effect in comparison with the strategy 'tonometry no one' (ratio between the difference in costs and the difference in effects).…”

Quantifying the effect of intraocular pressure reduction on the occurrence of glaucoma

“…The susceptibility of the optic nerve to IOP-related damage varies among individuals, and treatment may not be considered necessary for many patients (American Academy of Ophthalmology Glaucoma Panel 2005). Aside from the clinical considerations, treatment of OH patients is an important issue from a cost-effectiveness point of view: medication costs represent a high proportion of total treatment cost in the management of OH and glaucoma (Lindblom et al 2006).…”