Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Fahad I. Al-Saikhan
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Nehad J. Ahmed
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imparts a substantial economic burden on an individual and society. Exacerbation of COPD (ECOPD) is the primary cost driver for this burden as it usually associated with hospital admissions of COPD patients. The present study aimed to determine the direct costs of acute ECOPD among COPD patients.
Methods: A total of 90 eligible patients with acute ECOPD who were admitted to the hospital were involved in this study. A convenient sampling technique was used during data collection. Cost data were collected according to the expenditures and existing information. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The Spearman's rank test was used to observe the differences (correlations) between the Govt perspective and the patient perspective.
Results: The direct costs per episode of acute ECOPD were determined according to the Anthonisen criteria for evaluating acute ECOPD. The mean direct costs for severity III, severity II and severity I were 89.1, 134.8 and 178.2 USD respectively. The cost of acute ECOPD was positively associated with disease severity, length of hospital stay and the number of co-morbidities.
Conclusion: Acute ECOPD patients consume a considerable amount of healthcare resources and pose a significant economic burden on the government.
Keywords: COPD, exacerbation, cost, pharmacoeconomics, acute ECOPD.