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Model-based evaluation of the long-term cost-effectiveness of systematic case-finding for COPD in primary care

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
'One-off' systematic case-finding for COPD using a respiratory screening questionnaire is more effective and cost-effective than routine care at identifying new cases. However, it is not known whether early diagnosis and treatment is beneficial in the longer term. We estimated the long-term cost-effectiveness of a regular case-finding programme in primary care.

METHODS: A Markov decision analytic model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of a 3-yearly systematic case-finding programme targeted to ever smokers aged =50 years with the current routine diagnostic process in UK primary care. Patient-level data on case-finding pathways was obtained from a large randomised controlled trial. Information on the natural history of COPD and treatment effects was obtained from a linked COPD cohort, UK primary care database and published literature. The discounted lifetime cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was calculated from a health service perspective.

RESULTS: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of systematic case-finding versus current care was £16 596 per additional QALY gained, with a 78% probability of cost-effectiveness at a £20 000 per QALY willingness-to-pay threshold. The base case result was robust to multiple one-way sensitivity analyses. The main drivers were response rate to the initial screening questionnaire and attendance rate for the confirmatory spirometry test.

DISCUSSION: Regular systematic case-finding for COPD using a screening questionnaire in primary care is likely to be cost-effective in the long-term despite uncertainties in treatment effectiveness. Further knowledge of the natural history of case-found patients and the effectiveness of their management will improve confidence to implement such an approach.

Acceptance Date Apr 1, 2019
Publication Date Jul 8, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Thorax
Print ISSN 0040-6376
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Pages 730 -739
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212148
Keywords COPD, case-finding, early diagnosis, cost-effectiveness, markov model
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212148

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