Cost Trend Analysis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among Vietnamese Patients: Findings from Two Provincial Facilities 2015–2017

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious public health concern and a leading cause of disability. Aim: To explore the direct medical costs associated with COPD and identify the key cost drivers of disease of management. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective prevalence-based study, a hospital electronic database was used to examine the healthcare utilization and costs associated with COPD from the patient, payer and provider perspectives. The analysis horizon was the three-year period between 2015 and 2017. Results: A total of 33,617 patients with a diagnosis of COPD were identified, of which 28,869 outpatients met the criteria for direct medical cost analysis. The sample was predominantly male (86.0–92.2%). The age of majority was between 60 and 69 years, and almost all patients had health insurance. The mean age was 69.7±10.9 and 69.2±10.8, at Dong Nai General Hospital (DNGH) and Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital (PNTH), respectively. The median number of days for Length Of Stay (LOS) varied from 6 to 10 days (range 1–77). The direct medical costs varied from $22.4 to $32.7 per outpatient visit and from $180.9 to $386.9 per inpatient visit. The key driver of cost was pharmaceuticals, which accounted for more than 50% of total costs. Conclusion: This analysis, for the first time, states the specific costs for COPD, which will provide state public health practitioners with estimates of the economic burden of COPD and illustrate the potential medical cost savings for the nation by implementing programs designed to prevent the onset of COPD (e.g., tobacco prevention and cessation).

Keywords

• copd
• cost of illness
• direct cost
• respiratory diseases
• vietnam