Through a sensibility analysis on a theo-retical group of 1000 patients our aim is to study the cost-effectiveness of the diff e r e n t therapeutic options, evaluating direct and indirect costs, and identifying the most efficient option (cost-effective). We analysed effectiveness and variable costs of each arm of the decision tree, considering ini-tial and rescue treatments.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of treatment of otitis media with effusion in children
 
  keywords
 
 
  
   Otitis media with effusion
  
 
 
  
   Antibiotic
  
 
 
  
   Miringotomy
  
 
 
  
   Grommet
  
 
 
  
   Adenoidectomy
  
 
 
  
   Cost
  
 
Abstract
Otitis media with effusion is a common disorder in children, associated to <dis>hearing loss</dis> and recurrent acute otitis media.
It has three basic treatments: Spontaneous resolution, oral antibiotics and sur-gery including adenoidectomy and/or grommets insertion.
Through a sensibility analysis on a theo-retical group of 1000 patients our aim is to study the cost-effectiveness of the diff e r e n t therapeutic options, evaluating direct and indirect costs, and identifying the most efficient option (cost-effective).
We analysed effectiveness and variable costs of each arm of the decision tree, considering ini-tial and rescue treatments.
As expected, effectiveness grows up to the most through treatment, in-cluding adenoidectomy and grommets insertion, from 92% to 98% of children treated.
Nevertheless, unitary cost of each child treated also increases, from 302 to 401 euros; that is, choosing the most cost-effective treatment enables to save approximately 100 euros per child.
But, fixed costs, which are much higher (600 euros per child), will not change, limiting our management resources.
Abstract
Otitis media with effusion is a common disorder in children, associated to hearing loss and recurrent acute otitis media.
It has three basic treatments: Spontaneous resolution, oral antibiotics and sur-gery including adenoidectomy and/or grommets insertion.
Through a sensibility analysis on a theo-retical group of 1000 patients our aim is to study the cost-effectiveness of the diff e r e n t therapeutic options, evaluating direct and indirect costs, and identifying the most efficient option (cost-effective).
We analysed effectiveness and variable costs of each arm of the decision tree, considering ini-tial and rescue treatments.
As expected, effectiveness grows up to the most through treatment, in-cluding adenoidectomy and grommets insertion, from 92% to 98% of children treated.
Nevertheless, unitary cost of each child treated also increases, from 302 to 401 euros; that is, choosing the most cost-effective treatment enables to save approximately 100 euros per child.
But, fixed costs, which are much higher (600 euros per child), will not change, limiting our management resources.
Through a sensibility analysis on a theo-retical group of 1000 patients our aim is to study the cost-effectiveness of the diff e r e n t therapeutic options, evaluating direct and indirect costs, and identifying the most efficient option (cost-effective). We analysed effectiveness and variable costs of each arm of the decision tree, considering ini-tial and rescue treatments.