Cost-effectiveness analysis of a surveillance program to prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy

Gac Sanit. 2020 Jul-Aug;34(4):377-384. doi: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.05.005. Epub 2019 Sep 15.

Abstract

Objective: In this study we conducted an economic evaluation of a surveillance programme to prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy.

Method: We developed a model that compared costs and health outcomes of children with cerebral palsy with and without a surveillance programme. Information from a number of sources was combined into a decision analytical model, primarily based on data from a comparative study with a 20-year follow-up. Effectiveness was measured using Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). The analysis took the perspective of the Spanish National Health Service. We undertook extensive sensitivity analyses including a probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results: The surveillance programme led to higher QALYs and higher health care costs, with an estimated incremental cost per QALY gained of 12,282€. The results were robust to model assumptions. The probability that the programme was cost-effective was estimated to be over 80% at the threshold of 25.000€/QALY recommended in Spain.

Conclusion: This study indicates that surveillance programmes to prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy are likely to be cost-effective.

Keywords: Análisis coste-beneficio; Cerebral palsy; Cost-benefit analysis; Hip dislocation; Luxación de cadera; Parálisis cerebral.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy* / complications
  • Cerebral Palsy* / epidemiology
  • Cerebral Palsy* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Hip Dislocation* / epidemiology
  • Hip Dislocation* / etiology
  • Hip Dislocation* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • State Medicine