Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Oct 2009
ReviewCost-effectiveness of Medicare's coverage of immunosuppression medications for kidney transplant recipients.
Kidney transplantation is the preferred method of treating patients with end-stage renal disease. Transplantation improves the quality of life of the transplant recipient and also results in reduced treatment costs owing to the cost difference between dialysis and the post-transplant immunosuppression medications. ⋯ This article reviews studies that documented the improvements in long-term transplant outcomes attributable to previous coverage extensions of immunosuppression medications, from both 1-3 years post-transplant for all transplant recipients in 1993 and the coverage extension from 3 years to lifetime for elderly and disabled patients in the year 2000. In addition, previous studies of the potential cost-effectiveness of a lifetime immunosuppression benefit for all patients are discussed.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Oct 2009
Economic burden of healthcare-associated infections: an American perspective.
Annually, approximately 2 million patients suffer with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the USA, and nearly 90,000 are estimated to die. The overall direct cost of HAIs to hospitals ranges from US$28 billion to 45 billion. ⋯ Important policy changes include mandating hospitals to publically report HAI rates and a federal pay-for-performance measure that will no longer allow Medicare to pay more for patients with HAIs. Further rigorous economic evaluations of specific interventions, as well as on evaluations of the policies, are required.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Oct 2009
Understanding the EORTC QLQ-BM22, the module for patients with bone metastases.
Bone metastases are a frequent complication of cancer. With advances in effective systemic treatment and supportive care, the survival of patients with bone metastases has improved substantially. Treatment options for bone metastases have been expanding, as reflected in the latest clinical trials testing newer generations of bisphosphonates and increased use of orthopedic surgery. ⋯ The international validation of the Bone Metastases Module will facilitate measurement of important QoL issues in palliative care trials. Healthcare professionals will be able to reliably follow their patients' QoL, help patients in choosing treatments and assess the cost-effectiveness of the treatments. Bone metastases clinical trial QoL outcomes will be compared across trials through the utilization of a consistent and valid module questionnaire.