Cost-effectiveness of pharmacy and group behavioural support smoking cessation services in Glasgow

Boyd, K.A. and Briggs, A.H. (2009) Cost-effectiveness of pharmacy and group behavioural support smoking cessation services in Glasgow. Addiction, 104(2), pp. 317-325. (doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02449.x)

Abstract

<b>Aims</b>: Smokers attending group-based support for smoking cessation in Glasgow are significantly more likely to be successful than those attending pharmacy-based support. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of these two modes of support. <b>Design</b>: Combination of observational study data and information from National Health Service (NHS) Greater Glasgow and Clyde smoking cessation services. <b>Setting</b>: Glasgow, Scotland. <b>Participants</b>: A total of 1979 smokers who accessed either of the cessation services between March and May 2007. <b>Intervention</b>: Two smoking treatment services offering one-to-one support in pharmacies, and providing group counselling in the community. <b>Measurements</b>: Routine monitoring data on resource use and smoking status (carbon monoxide-validated, self-reported, non-quitters and relapsers) at 4-week follow-up. <b>Findings</b>: The incremental cost per 4-week quitter for pharmacy support was found to be approximately £772, and £1612 for group support, in comparison to self-quit cessation attempts. These findings compare favourably with previously published outcomes from cost-effectiveness smoking cessation studies. Assuming a relapse rate of 75% from 4 weeks to 1 year and a further 35% beyond 1 year, and combining this with an average of 1.98 quality adjusted life years (QALY) gained per permanent cessation, provides an estimated incremental cost per QALY of £4400 for the pharmacy service and £5400 for group support service.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Briggs, Professor Andrew and Boyd, Professor Kathleen
• Authors: Boyd, K.A., and Briggs, A.H.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
• Journal Name: Addiction
• ISSN: 0965-2140