The development and use of a method to compare the costs of acute stroke across Europe

Grieve, R., Dundas, R. , Beech, R. and Wolfe, C. (2001) The development and use of a method to compare the costs of acute stroke across Europe. Age and Ageing, 30(1), pp. 67-72. (doi: 10.1093/ageing/30.1.67)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ageing/30.1.67

Abstract

Background: there is a need for more information on the costs of different ways of managing stroke. Methods to compare the costs of stroke care in different countries have not been previously developed. Objective: to develop and use a method to compare the costs of acute stroke care across Europe. Setting: acute hospitals in 13 different European centres. Subjects and methods: we included in the study stroke patients hospitalized during 1996–7 at 13 centres across Europe (n=2072). We recorded the duration of acute hospital stay and use of investigations. Mean costs for each centre were predicted using linear regression analysis to adjust for case‐mix differences. Results: the average acute hospital stay ranged from 9 days (Spain) to 35 days (UK; P<0.001). The predicted mean cost of treating conscious, continent men aged >74 ranged from $220 (95% confidence interval 191–254) in Latvia to $5164 (4294–6191) in Austria. Conclusions: differences in the acute costs of stroke exist across Europe because of differences in clinical practice and unit costs. This methodology will be used to capture the costs incurred by a broad range of care providers. These estimates will then be suitable for using in cost‐effectiveness analysis.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dundas, Professor Ruth
Authors: Grieve, R., Dundas, R., Beech, R., and Wolfe, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:Age and Ageing
ISSN:0002-0729
ISSN (Online):1468-2834

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