Economic and Healthcare Impacts of Public Funding for Intermittent Catheters in Nova Scotia
Author(s)
Boris Kralj, .1, Jasmin C. Tiedemann, MEd2, Robin Frost, .3, Rasmus Skovgaard, MSc4, Akash Gugilla, .5.
1Department of Economics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, 2International Market Access Manager, Coloplast, Hillerød, Denmark, 3Market Access and Government Affairs, Coloplast C, Oakville, ON, Canada, 4Coloplast A/S, Humlebæk, Denmark, 5Continence Care Market Manager, Coloplast Canada, Oakville, ON, Canada.
1Department of Economics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, 2International Market Access Manager, Coloplast, Hillerød, Denmark, 3Market Access and Government Affairs, Coloplast C, Oakville, ON, Canada, 4Coloplast A/S, Humlebæk, Denmark, 5Continence Care Market Manager, Coloplast Canada, Oakville, ON, Canada.
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Patients with significant neuromuscular diseases, spinal cord injuries, and non-neurogenic conditions, often face challenges in urinary health due to the reuse of single-use intermittent catheters (ICs). This practice increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), placing additional strain on the healthcare system. This study assesses the financial and broader implications of introducing public funding for ICs, in Nova Scotia.
METHODS: We conducted a cost-analysis exploring the adoption of adequate IC usage over a 5-year period under a publicly funded scheme. Key input included patient adoption rates, projected healthcare savings from reduced UTIs, due to re-use, and direct program costs. Savings were estimated based on reduced UTI incidence, including the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related complications and decreased hospitalizations.
RESULTS: Net expenditures are projected to peak and stabilize at approximately $3 million annually once the program reaches full adoption. Savings reflect reductions in UTI-related costs, which are estimated to save approximately $2.4 million annually by preventing infections that currently cost $1,295 per case for initial treatment and up to $7,123 for resistant infections. The average hospital stay is 10 days, each resistant UTI prevented by adequate use of ICs frees up a bed for at least three days, alleviating strain on hospital resources and healthcare workers.
CONCLUSIONS: Reducing UTIs through adequate public IC coverage provides broader impact on Nova Scotia’s healthcare system through a higher standard (gold standard) of care for the patients at the same net cost per patient. These include fewer visits to family physicians and specialists, reduced emergency room visits, and decreased demand for inpatient hospital beds. By addressing these issues, the program enhances patient outcomes, strengthens the healthcare system, and improves access for Nova Scotians without increasing the cost per user.
METHODS: We conducted a cost-analysis exploring the adoption of adequate IC usage over a 5-year period under a publicly funded scheme. Key input included patient adoption rates, projected healthcare savings from reduced UTIs, due to re-use, and direct program costs. Savings were estimated based on reduced UTI incidence, including the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related complications and decreased hospitalizations.
RESULTS: Net expenditures are projected to peak and stabilize at approximately $3 million annually once the program reaches full adoption. Savings reflect reductions in UTI-related costs, which are estimated to save approximately $2.4 million annually by preventing infections that currently cost $1,295 per case for initial treatment and up to $7,123 for resistant infections. The average hospital stay is 10 days, each resistant UTI prevented by adequate use of ICs frees up a bed for at least three days, alleviating strain on hospital resources and healthcare workers.
CONCLUSIONS: Reducing UTIs through adequate public IC coverage provides broader impact on Nova Scotia’s healthcare system through a higher standard (gold standard) of care for the patients at the same net cost per patient. These include fewer visits to family physicians and specialists, reduced emergency room visits, and decreased demand for inpatient hospital beds. By addressing these issues, the program enhances patient outcomes, strengthens the healthcare system, and improves access for Nova Scotians without increasing the cost per user.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
EE45
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
SDC: Injury & Trauma, SDC: Neurological Disorders, SDC: Urinary/Kidney Disorders