Open Collections

Lim, Brittany

University of British Columbia

Background: Fibular hemimelia is a rare congenital condition that results in limb length discrepancy and foot deformity which can significantly impact the overall health related quality of life of a patient. The publicly borne costs and out-of-pocket costs associated with the management and treatment of fibular hemimelia are not well understood. The healthcare sector is constantly faced with budgetary limitations. While financial costs should not dictate clinical decision-making, cost analyses can improve efficiencies in the healthcare system. The objectives of this study are to identify the hospital, physician and out-of-pocket costs associated with the treatment of fibular hemimelia in pediatric patients in British Columbia. Methods: Out-of-pocket (OOP) costs associated with medical devices, transportation and additional medical services will be obtained by administering a self-reported survey. The survey will also collect socio-demographic and socio-economic data. Public costs related to inpatient encounters will be calculated using the Discharge Abstract Database. The payment schedule for medical practitioner’s fee-for-service compensation provided by the Medical Services Commission will be used to identify the physician related costs. Results: Across 17 survey responses, the most frequently reported OOP cost categories were related to transportation to clinic and orthotics. Based on family income, immigrant status and location of residence, the highest OOP costs were reported in the lowest family income groups, for immigrants and for people who resided in rural areas. The total estimated hospital cost for the treatment of fibular hemimelia ranged from $3 231 for foot interventions to $10 493 for osteotomies of the lower limb including lengthening and angular correction. Conclusions: The OOP cost findings from this study can be used as directives to health authorities and existing charitable organizations for allocating financial supports to our patient population. To address OOP costs associated with transportation, the provincial and regional health authorities should consider the use of virtual care and travel assistance programs to support patients and their families as they seek care for their child’s rare condition.

Text

2024-10-10

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/89373

Experimental Medicine

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/