Estimating the Clinical and Economic Impact of Introducing a New Antibacterial into Greek Clinical Practice for the Management of Hospital-Acquired Infections with Limited Treatment Options

Abstract

Plain Language Summary Antimicrobial resistance is a major issue for the Greek healthcare system. The overuse of antibacterial agents contributes to the growing resistance levels, making currently available treatment options less effective. As a result, there is an imperative need to address antimicrobial resistance in Greece. This study developed a mathematical model to investigate the clinical and economic benefits of introducing a new antibacterial to current treatment practice. The model uses regression equations to describe the relationships between inputs and outputs from a published and validated model, which describes the transmission and treatment of infections. The model is used to estimate the impact of a new treatment in Greece, considering differing treatment sequence scenarios. The largest health and financial benefits were seen when a new antibacterial was introduced at first line prior to currently used treatments. Over 10 years, savings of up to 93,000 hospital bed days and €21 million in hospitalisation costs could be achieved, as well as a gain of 286,000 patient life years and 226,000 patient quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), a measure of a patient’s quality and length of life, over their remaining lifetime. The introduction of a new antibacterial into the current treatment pathway resulted in an overall monetary benefit of €6.8 billion over 10 years, when additional QALYs are valued at €30,000. This study demonstrates considerable health economic benefits of introducing a new antibacterial in Greece and can help inform decision makers when developing a national action plan to combat resistance and improve access to treatments.

Keywords

• Infectious diseases
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Economic evaluation