Indirect costs of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

It is estimated that in Poland about 400,000 persons in general suffer from inflammatory joint diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Epidemiological surveys documenting the frequency and disturbance of musculoskeletal disorders in the Polish population are few in number. Most of the estimations are based on epidemiological data from other countries (prevalence of 0.5–1%). According to the data of the National Health Fund in Poland 135,000–157,000 persons in total are treated because of rheumatoid arthritis per year [ICD10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems): M05, M06]. In the case of this group of diseases indirect costs significantly outweigh the direct costs. Indirect costs increase together with activity level of the disease. The cost analysis of productivity loss of RA patients indicates that sickness absenteeism and informal care are the most burdensome. At the national level it amounts in total from 1.2 billion to 2.8 billion PLN per year, depending on the method of analysis. These costs could be significantly reduced through early diagnosis and introduction of effective treatment.

Friction Cost Estimates of Productivity Costs in Cost-of-Illness Studies in Comparison with Human Capital Estimates: A Review

“…For example, Raciborski et al in the text reported total HCA and FCA costs that included direct medical costs and informal care costs in addition to productivity costs [69]; only the productivity cost estimates are reported in Table 1.…”

Estimation of direct cost of managing rheumatoid arthritis treatment to Pakistani patients using real‐world follow‐up data

“…Annual RA treatment and management accounted for USD 10.9 billion . In a Polish study, it was reported that the disease resulted in productivity loss that was mainly due to absenteeism and informal care …”

“…12 In a Polish study, it was reported that the disease resulted in productivity loss that was mainly due to absenteeism and informal care. 13 Two studies have been conducted in Pakistani populations that have endeavored to estimate direct health expenditure on RA from a patient's perspective. However, both had shortcomings as the study by Waheed and colleagues did not report what service within RA treatment (for example, consultation, physical therapy, laboratory, etc., accounted for what proportion within total cost.…”

The use of magnetic fields in treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Review of the literature

“…It is estimated that in Poland, about 400,000 people suffer from inflammatory diseases of the joints, including 135,000–157,000 suffering from RA. There has been a continuous increase in the number of cases [27]. RA usually affects people aged 30–50 years.…”

“…Compared with the general population, patients with RA live 7–10 years shorter lives [26, 28]. The economic costs which result from this disease are primarily associated with the loss of ability to work and the need to provide care in the event of loss of efficiency [27]. …”