Economic Evaluation of a Geriatric Oncology Clinic.
Shabbir Muhammad Husayn AlibhaiZuhair AlamRonak SalujaUzair MalikPadraig WardeRana JinArielle BergerLindy RomanovskyKelvin K W ChanPublished in: Cancers (2022)
Geriatric assessment (GA) is supported by recent trials and guidelines yet rarely implemented due to a lack of resources. We performed an economic evaluation of a geriatric oncology clinic. Pre-GA proposed treatments and post-GA actual treatments were obtained from a detailed chart review of patients seen at a single academic centre. GA-based costs for investigations and referrals were calculated. Unit costs were obtained for surgical, radiation, systemic therapy, laboratory, imaging, physician, nursing, and allied health care (all in 2019 Canadian dollars). A six-month time horizon and government payer perspective were used. Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older (n = 152, mean age 82 y) and referred in the pre-treatment setting between July 2016 and June 2018 were included. Treatment plans were modified for 51% of patients. Costs associated with planned treatment were CAD 3,655,015. Costs associated with GA and related interventions were CAD 95,798. Final treatment costs were CAD 2,436,379. Net savings associated with the clinic were CAD 1,122,837, or CAD 7387 per patient seen. Findings were robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Combined with mounting trial data demonstrating the clinical benefits of GA, our data can inform a strong business case for geriatric oncology clinics in health care environments similar to ours, but additional studies in diverse health care settings are warranted.
Keyphrases
- pet ct
- healthcare
- end stage renal disease
- coronary artery disease
- primary care
- ejection fraction
- newly diagnosed
- chronic kidney disease
- palliative care
- prognostic factors
- emergency department
- mental health
- physical activity
- patient reported outcomes
- stem cells
- mesenchymal stem cells
- mass spectrometry
- radiation therapy
- hip fracture
- quality improvement
- open label
- artificial intelligence
- cell therapy
- social media