Health Economics Policy & Outcomes Research

Biography

Biography: Rosana Elizabeth Pacella

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Chronic wounds cost the Australian health system at least US$2⋅85 billion per year. Wound care services in Australia involve a complex mix of treatment options, health care sectors and funding mechanisms. It is clear that implementation of evidence-based care improves wound healing, reduces recurrence as well as hospitalisation due to complications, amputation and overall burden, yet the majority of Australians with chronic wounds do not receive evidence-based treatment. High initial treatment costs, inadequate reimbursement, poor financial incentives and lack of skilled health care professionals proficient in evidence-based practice are major barriers to the adoption of best practice. In order to secure funding for better services in a competitive environment, evidence of cost-effectiveness is required.

Methodology: This study developed Markov models to analyse the cost-effectiveness of implementing optimal care in comparison with the continuation of usual care for patients with chronic wounds in Australia. Optimal care was defined as wound care that follows the set of recommendations from the Australian official guidelines with full Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) reimbursement linked to services, devices and consumables. Findings: Economic modelling results demonstrate that implementing and funding best practice systems to manage chronic wounds is a cost-saving strategy in Australia and improves health outcomes. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that optimal care always had a higher probability of costing less and generating more health benefits.

Conclusion & Significance: We recommend high-level policy development and investment in evidence-based care to improve affordability and support access to health professionals and multidisciplinary teams. Incentivising cost-effective evidence-based wound care within MBS and listing evidence-based wound products and services on MBS/PBS will not only ease patients’ financial burden but also save considerable costs for the Australian health system.

Recent Publications (minimum 5)

1. Norman RE, Gibb M, Dyer A, Prentice J, Yelland S, Cheng Q, Lazzarini P, Carville K, Innes-Walker K, Finlayson K, Edwards H, Burn E, Graves N. Improved wound management at lower costs: a sensible goal for Australia. International Wound Journal 2016; 13(3):303-16.
2. Cheng, Qinglu; Lazzarini, Peter; Gibb, Michelle; Derhy, Patrick; Kinnear, Ewan; Burn, Edward ; Graves, Nicholas; and Norman, Rosana E. A cost-effectiveness analysis of optimal care of diabetic foot ulcers in Australia. International Wound Journal 2016; doi: 10.1111/iwj.12653. [Epub ahead of print]
3. McCarthy,M.M., Taylor, P., Norman, RE., Pezzullo, L., Tucci, J. & Goddard, C., The lifetime economic and social costs of child maltreatment in Australia. Children and Youth Services Review (2016), doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.11.014.
4. Erskine, H; Norman RE; Ferrari AJ; Copeland WE; Whiteford H;  Scott JG. Long-Term Outcomes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2016;55(10):841–850.
5. Norman RE, Byambaa M, De R, Butchart A, Scott J and Vos T. The long-term health consequences of child physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Medicine 2012; 98 11: e1001349.1-e1001349.31.