Cost-Impact Analysis of a Novel Diagnostic Test to Assess Community-Acquired Pneumonia Etiology in the Emergency Department Setting: A Multi-Country European Study

Abstract

Background: We aimed to estimate the economic and clinical impacts of a novel diagnostic test called LIAISON® MeMed BV®(LMMBV), which can differentiate bacterial from viral infections, in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in emergency departments. Methods: A cost-impact simulation model was developed to investigate the financial consequences of the introduction of LMMBV into the standard of care (SOC) diagnostic process in Italy, Germany, and Spain. Clinical outcomes were expressed as antibiotic patients and days saved, reduced hospital admissions, and shortened hospital length of stay (LOS). Cost savings were evaluated from the perspectives of third-party payers and hospitals. A deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) was carried out. Results: LMMBV was associated with a reduction in antibiotic prescriptions, treatment duration, and LOS. Furthermore, the adoption of LMMBV would allow savings per patient up to EUR 364 and EUR 328 for hospitals and EUR 91 and EUR 59 for payers in Italy and Germany, respectively. In Spain, average savings per patient could reach up to EUR 165 for both payers and hospitals. Savings were most sensitive to test accuracy, with DSA confirming the robustness of the results. Conclusions: Combining LMMBV with the current SOC diagnostic process is expected to provide clinical and economic benefits in Italy, Germany, and Spain.