Healthcare Resource Utilization and Associated Costs During the First 5 Years After Diagnosis and at the End of Life: A Nationwide Cohort Study of Patients with Multiple Myeloma in Finland

The burden associated with the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is expected to increase due to the aging population. Thus, policymakers and clinicians need a holistic view of the healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs associated with MM and its treatment for informed decision makin...

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Published in:PharmacoEconomics - open 2024-09
Main Authors: Kosunen, Mikko, Ruotsalainen, Jarno, Kallio, Alvar, Metsä, Roope, Raittinen, Paavo, Lehmus, Leena, Korhonen, Maarit J., Purmonen, Timo
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The burden associated with the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is expected to increase due to the aging population. Thus, policymakers and clinicians need a holistic view of the healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs associated with MM and its treatment for informed decision making. However, nationwide information on HCRU and costs due to MM is scarce in Finland. The aim of this study was to determine healthcare resource utilization, patterns of service use and associated costs among Finnish patients with MM during the first 5 years from their first diagnosis and at end of life.BACKGROUNDThe burden associated with the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is expected to increase due to the aging population. Thus, policymakers and clinicians need a holistic view of the healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs associated with MM and its treatment for informed decision making. However, nationwide information on HCRU and costs due to MM is scarce in Finland. The aim of this study was to determine healthcare resource utilization, patterns of service use and associated costs among Finnish patients with MM during the first 5 years from their first diagnosis and at end of life.Data on patients newly diagnosed with MM and receiving treatment for it in Finland in 2015-2019 was sourced from comprehensive nationwide registers. Data on all-cause and MM-specific HCRU including inpatient stays, outpatient visits and contacts, emergency care visits and home care were obtained separately from specialized and primary care registers. HCRU costs were assessed by multiplying the numbers of primary and specialized care contacts by respective national unit costs. For reimbursed outpatient medication and reimbursed sick leave, data on actual costs were collected. All registry data were linked via unique personal identifiers, and follow-up time was up to 5 years.METHODSData on patients newly diagnosed with MM and receiving treatment for it in Finland in 2015-2019 was sourced from comprehensive nationwide registers. Data on all-cause and MM-specific HCRU including inpatient stays, outpatient visits and contacts, emergency care visits and home care were obtained separately from specialized and primary care registers. HCRU costs were assessed by multiplying the numbers of primary and specialized care contacts by respective national unit costs. For reimbursed outpatient medication and reimbursed sick leave, data on actual costs were collected. All registr
ISSN:2509-4262
2509-4254
2509-4254
DOI:10.1007/s41669-024-00524-4