COPD: a rehabilitation programme was cost-effective

Clinical bottom line (level 1b)

  1. A 6 week rehabilitation programme for patients with severe pulmonary disease was cost-effective.
Griffiths et al: Thorax 2001; 56 : 779-784
Expires May 2004

The study

cost-effectiveness analysis
Setting: outpatient clinic, acute hospital, UK

from a randomised controlled trial involving 200 patients with severe pulmonary disease (84% with COPD) taking part in a 6 week rehabilitation programme or standard medical care.

  • Viewpoint: healthcare provider (e.g. NHS or HMO)
  • Benefit assessment: quality-adjusted life year (QALY) using utilites derived from SF-36 questionnaire given to patients in RCT
  • Resources and costs: Direct costs (in UK pounds) consisting of staff costs, transport, all equipment, materials and consumables and an allowance of 20% to cover overheads. Primary care and hosptial admission costs were determined from national figures.
  • Sensitivity analysis: Costs and utilities were adjusted to determine the effect on QALYs.

    The evidence

    intervention cost
    rehabilitation programme - GBP 152

    Effect of sensitivity analysis: The probability that the rehabilitation programme saved money way 0.64. The sensitivity analysis found that the probability that the programme cost < GBP 17000 per QALY was 0.95.

    Citation

    1. Griffiths TL, Phillips CJ, Davies S, et al: cost-effectiveness of an outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Thorax 2001; 56 : 779-784
    Search Terms: from ACP Journal Club other articles noted
    Contributor: Chris Ball, May 2002
    Reviewer:

    Clinical Question.
    Patient severe pulmonary disease
    Intervention or Exposure rehabilitation programme
    Outcome cost-effectiveness, QALY