Cost-effectiveness of targeted screening for hepatitis C in The Netherlands

SUMMARYOn account of the serious complications of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the improved treatment possibilities, the need to improve HCV awareness and case-finding is increasingly recognized. To optimize a future national campaign with this objective, three pilot campaigns were executed in three regions in The Netherlands. One campaign was aimed at the general population, a second (similar) campaign was extended with a support programme for primary care and a third campaign was specifically aimed at hard-drug users. Data from the pilot campaigns were used to build a mathematical model to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the different campaigns. The campaign aimed at the general public without support for primary care did not improve case-finding and was therefore not cost-effective. The similar campaign accompanied by additional support for primary care and the campaign aimed at hard-drug users emerged as cost-effective interventions for identification of HCV carriers.

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The Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Virus Screening Strategies among Recently Arrived Migrants in the Netherlands

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17176091 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (17) ◽

pp. 6091

Author(s):

Mohamed N.M.T. Al Khayat ◽

Job F.H. Eijsink ◽

Maarten J. Postma ◽

Jan C. Wilschut ◽

Marinus van Hulst

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Budget Impact ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Life Years ◽

Screening Strategies ◽

Hcv Screening ◽

The Cost

Objective: We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening strategies among recently arrived migrants in the Netherlands. Methods: A Markov model was used to estimate the health effects and costs of HCV screening from the healthcare perspective. A cohort of 50,000 recently arrived migrants was used. In this cohort, three HCV screening strategies were evaluated: (i) no screening, (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries and (iii) screening of all migrants. Results: Strategy (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries compared to strategy (i) no screening, yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €971 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Strategy (iii) screening of all migrants compared with strategy (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries yielded an ICER of €1005 per QALY gained. The budget impact of strategy (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries and strategy (iii) screening of all migrants was €13,752,039 and €20,786,683, respectively. Conclusion: HCV screening is cost-effective. However, the budget impact may have a strong influence on decision making.

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Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of nationwide campaigns for awareness and case finding of hepatitis C targeted at people who inject drugs and the general population in the Netherlands

International Journal of Drug Policy ◽

10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.022 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 ◽

pp. 117-125 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Charles W. Helsper ◽

Mart P. Janssen ◽

Gerrit A. van Essen ◽

Esther A. Croes ◽

Clary van der Veen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

General Population ◽

The Netherlands ◽

People Who Inject Drugs ◽

Case Finding

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Model-based evaluation of the long-term cost-effectiveness of systematic case-finding for COPD in primary care

Thorax ◽

10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212148 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 74 (8) ◽

pp. 730-739 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tosin Lambe ◽

Peymane Adab ◽

Rachel E Jordan ◽

Alice Sitch ◽

Alex Enocson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Natural History ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Case Finding ◽

Base Case ◽

Decision Analytic Model ◽

Screening Questionnaire ◽

History Of

Introduction‘One-off’ systematic case-finding for COPD using a respiratory screening questionnaire is more effective and cost-effective than routine care at identifying new cases. However, it is not known whether early diagnosis and treatment is beneficial in the longer term. We estimated the long-term cost-effectiveness of a regular case-finding programme in primary care.MethodsA Markov decision analytic model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of a 3-yearly systematic case-finding programme targeted to ever smokers aged ≥50 years with the current routine diagnostic process in UK primary care. Patient-level data on case-finding pathways was obtained from a large randomised controlled trial. Information on the natural history of COPD and treatment effects was obtained from a linked COPD cohort, UK primary care database and published literature. The discounted lifetime cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was calculated from a health service perspective.ResultsThe incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of systematic case-finding versus current care was £16 596 per additional QALY gained, with a 78% probability of cost-effectiveness at a £20 000 per QALY willingness-to-pay threshold. The base case result was robust to multiple one-way sensitivity analyses. The main drivers were response rate to the initial screening questionnaire and attendance rate for the confirmatory spirometry test.DiscussionRegular systematic case-finding for COPD using a screening questionnaire in primary care is likely to be cost-effective in the long-term despite uncertainties in treatment effectiveness. Further knowledge of the natural history of case-found patients and the effectiveness of their management will improve confidence to implement such an approach.

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Chronic hepatitis B virus case-finding in UK populations born abroad in intermediate or high endemicity countries: an economic evaluation

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030183 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e030183 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Natasha K Martin ◽

Peter Vickerman ◽

Salim Khakoo ◽

Anjan Ghosh ◽

Mary Ramsay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Case Finding ◽

Hbsag Prevalence ◽

Migrant Populations ◽

Additional Qaly ◽

B Virus

ObjectivesThe majority (>90%) of new or undiagnosed cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the UK are among individuals born in countries with intermediate or high prevalence levels (≥2%). We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of increased HBV case-finding among UK migrant populations, based on a one-time opt out case-finding approach in a primary care setting.DesignCost-effectiveness evaluation. A decision model based on a Markov approach was built to assess the progression of HBV infection with and without treatment as a result of case-finding. The model parameters, including the cost and effects of case-finding and treatment, were estimated from the literature. All costs were expressed in 2017/2018 British Pounds (GBPs) and health outcomes as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).InterventionHepatitis B virus case-finding among UK migrant populations born in countries with intermediate or high prevalence levels (≥2%) in a primary care setting compared with no intervention (background testing).ResultsAt a 2% hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence, the case-finding intervention led to a mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £13 625 per QALY gained which was 87% and 98% likely of being cost-effective at willingness to pay (WTP) thresholds of £20 000 and £30 000 per additional QALY, respectively. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the intervention would remain cost-effective under a £20 000 WTP threshold as long as HBsAg prevalence among the migrant population is at least 1%. However, the results were sensitive to a number of parameters, especially the time horizon and probability of treatment uptake.ConclusionsHBV case-finding using a one-time opt out approach in primary care settings is very likely to be cost-effective among UK migrant populations with HBsAg prevalence ≥1% if the WTP for an additional QALY is around £20 000.

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Cost-effectiveness of the fixed-dose combination tiotropium/olodaterol versus tiotropium monotherapy or a fixed-dose combination of long-acting β2-agonist/inhaled corticosteroid for COPD in Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands: a model-based study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049675 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e049675

Author(s):

Martine Hoogendoorn ◽

Isaac Corro Ramos ◽

Stéphane Soulard ◽

Jennifer Cook ◽

Erkki Soini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Fixed Dose Combination ◽

Fixed Dose ◽

Inhaled Corticosteroid ◽

Dose Combination ◽

Long Acting ◽

Β2 Agonist ◽

Country Specific

ObjectivesChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines advocate treatment with combinations of long-acting bronchodilators for patients with COPD who have persistent symptoms or continue to have exacerbations while using a single bronchodilator. This study assessed the cost-utility of the fixed dose combination of the bronchodilators tiotropium and olodaterol versus two comparators, tiotropium monotherapy and long-acting β2 agonist/inhaled corticosteroid (LABA/ICS) combinations, in three European countries: Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands.MethodsA previously published COPD patient-level discrete event simulation model was updated with most recent evidence to estimate lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs for COPD patients receiving either tiotropium/olodaterol, tiotropium monotherapy or LABA/ICS. Treatment efficacy covered impact on trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), total and severe exacerbations and pneumonias. The unit costs of medication, maintenance treatment, exacerbations and pneumonias were obtained for each country. The country-specific analyses adhered to the Finnish, Swedish and Dutch pharmacoeconomic guidelines, respectively.ResultsTreatment with tiotropium/olodaterol gained QALYs ranging from 0.09 (Finland and Sweden) to 0.11 (the Netherlands) versus tiotropium and 0.23 (Finland and Sweden) to 0.28 (the Netherlands) versus LABA/ICS. The Finnish payer’s incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of tiotropium/olodaterol was €11 000/QALY versus tiotropium and dominant versus LABA/ICS. The Swedish ICERs were €6200/QALY and dominant, respectively (societal perspective). The Dutch ICERs were €14 400 and €9200, respectively (societal perspective). The probability that tiotropium/olodaterol was cost-effective compared with tiotropium at the country-specific (unofficial) threshold values for the maximum willingness to pay for a QALY was 84% for Finland, 98% for Sweden and 99% for the Netherlands. Compared with LABA/ICS, this probability was 100% for all three countries.ConclusionsBased on the simulations, tiotropium/olodaterol is a cost-effective treatment option versus tiotropium or LABA/ICS in all three countries. In both Finland and Sweden, tiotropium/olodaterol is more effective and cost saving (ie, dominant) in comparison with LABA/ICS.

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Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of implementing HIV testing in primary care in East London: protocol for an interrupted time series analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018163 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. e018163 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Werner Leber ◽

Lee Beresford ◽

Claire Nightingale ◽

Estela Capelas Barbosa ◽

Stephen Morris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Time Series ◽

General Practice ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Interrupted Time Series ◽

Rapid Hiv Testing ◽

Post Trial ◽

Implementation Programme

IntroductionHIV remains underdiagnosed. Guidelines recommend routine HIV testing in primary care, but evidence on implementing testing is lacking. In a previous study, the Rapid HIV Assessment 2 (RHIVA2) cluster randomised controlled trial, we showed that providing training and rapid point-of-care HIV testing at general practice registration (RHIVA2 intervention) in Hackney led to cost-effective, increased and earlier diagnosis of HIV. However, interventions effective in a trial context may be less so when implemented in routine practice. We describe the protocol for an MRC phase IV implementation programme, evaluating the impact of rolling out the RHIVA2 intervention in a post-trial setting. We will use a longitudinal study to examine if the post-trial implementation in Hackney practices is effective and cost-effective, and a cross-sectional study to compare Hackney with two adjacent boroughs providing usual primary care (Newham) and an enhanced service promoting HIV testing in primary care (Tower Hamlets).Methods and analysisService evaluation using interrupted time series and cost-effectiveness analyses. We will include all general practices in three contiguous high HIV prevalence East London boroughs. All adults aged 16 and above registered with the practices will be included. The interventions to be examined are: a post-trial RHIVA2 implementation programme (including practice-based education and training, external quality assurance, incentive payments for rapid HIV testing and incorporation of rapid HIV testing in the sexual health Local Enhanced Service) in Hackney; the general practice sexual health Network Improved Service in Tower Hamlets and usual care in Newham. Coprimary outcomes are rates of HIV testing and new HIV diagnoses.Ethics and disseminationThe chair of the Camden and Islington NHS Research Ethics Committee, London, has endorsed this programme as an evaluation of routine care. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and reported to commissioners.

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Appropriateness and Cost-Effectiveness of Echocardiograms Ordered by Pediatric Cardiologists and Primary Care Providers for Syncope

Clinical Pediatrics ◽

10.1177/00099228211038267 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000992282110382

Author(s):

Tracey M. Thompson ◽

Ty E. Hasselman ◽

Yanzhi Wang ◽

David W. Jantzen

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Pediatric Cardiology ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Primary Care Providers ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cost Effectiveness Ratio ◽

Improve Cost Effectiveness ◽

Cardiology Clinic ◽

Improve Cost

The pediatric appropriate use criteria (AUC) were applied to transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) ordered by primary care providers (PCPs) and pediatric cardiologists for the diagnosis of syncope to compare appropriateness ratings and cost-effectiveness. Included were patients ≤18 years of age from October 2016 to October 2018 with syncope who underwent initial outpatient pediatric TTE ordered by a PCP or were seen in Pediatric Cardiology clinic. Ordering rate of TTE by pediatric cardiologists, AUC classification, and TTE findings were obtained. PCPs ordered significantly more TTEs than pediatric cardiologists for “rarely appropriate” indications (61.5% vs 7.5%, P < .001). Cardiologists ordered TTEs at 17.2% of visits. Using appropriateness as a marker of effect, with the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, it was more cost-effective ($543.33 per patient) to refer to a pediatric cardiologist than to order the TTE alone. This suggests that improved PCP education of the AUC and appropriate indications of TTEs for syncope may improve cost-effectiveness when using order appropriateness as a marker of effectiveness.

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The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Screening for Migrants in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15092013 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 2013 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Christina Greenaway ◽

Iuliia Makarenko ◽

Claire Abou Chakra ◽

Balqis Alabdulkarim ◽

Robin Christensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Linkage To Care ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Screening Tests ◽

European Economic Area ◽

The European Union ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Eu

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a public health priority in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Migrants account for a disproportionate number of HCV cases in the EU/EEA (mean 14% of cases and >50% of cases in some countries). We conducted two systematic reviews (SR) to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HCV screening for migrants living in the EU/EEA. We found that screening tests for HCV are highly sensitive and specific. Clinical trials report direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are well-tolerated in a wide range of populations and cure almost all cases (>95%) and lead to an 85% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and an 80% lower risk of all-cause mortality. At 2015 costs, DAA based regimens were only moderately cost-effective and as a result less than 30% of people with HCV had been screened and less 5% of all HCV cases had been treated in the EU/EEA in 2015. Migrants face additional barriers in linkage to care and treatment due to several patient, practitioner, and health system barriers. Although decreasing HCV costs have made treatment more accessible in the EU/EEA, HCV elimination will only be possible in the region if health systems include and treat migrants for HCV.

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Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Use of Point-of-Care C-Reactive Protein Testing to Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics7040106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 106 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Emily Holmes ◽

Sharman Harris ◽

Alison Hughes ◽

Noel Craine ◽

Dyfrig Hughes

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Clinical Guidelines ◽

Antibiotic Prescription ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Routine Practice ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Reactive Protein

More appropriate and measured use of antibiotics may be achieved using point-of-care (POC) C-reactive protein (CRP) testing, but there is limited evidence of cost-effectiveness in routine practice. A decision analytic model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of testing, compared with standard care, in adults presenting in primary care with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). Analyses considered (1) pragmatic use of testing, reflective of routine clinical practice, and (2) testing according to clinical guidelines. Threshold and scenario analysis were performed to identify cost-effective scenarios. In patients with symptoms of ARTI and based on routine practice, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of CRP testing were £19,705 per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained and £16.07 per antibiotic prescription avoided. Following clinical guideline, CRP testing in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) cost £4390 per QALY gained and £9.31 per antibiotic prescription avoided. At a threshold of £20,000 per QALY, the probabilities of POC CRP testing being cost-effective were 0.49 (ARTI) and 0.84 (LRTI). POC CRP testing as implemented in routine practice is appreciably less cost-effective than when adhering to clinical guidelines. The implications for antibiotic resistance and Clostridium difficile infection warrant further investigation.

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