Real-World Healthcare Resource Utilization and Related Costs Associated With Schizophrenia in the Brazilian Private Market
Author(s)
Joao Paulo Dos Reis Neto, PhD, MD1, JULIANA BUSCH, MD2.
1ceo, Diretor-Presidente da Capesesp, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2CAPESESP, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
1ceo, Diretor-Presidente da Capesesp, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2CAPESESP, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
OBJECTIVES: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder. Suboptimal adherence to pharmacological treatment is associated with higher relapse rates. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been developed to improve treatment adherence. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs among individuals with schizophrenia in a real-world setting.
METHODS: Real-world retrospective database using data from January/2019 to December/2024. Beneficiaries diagnosed with mental disorders (ICD10 F00-F99), with a focus on schizophrenia (ICD F20-F29), were identified. Available data includes demographics, comorbidities, HCRU and costs. Results of patients using injectable paliperidone palmitate (PDP) were compared with patients who did not use this medication. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact and Student’s t tests for categorical/continuous measures. Statistical significance for p<0.05.
RESULTS: Of 60,824 beneficiaries (54 years, 59.3% female), 4,842 diagnosed with mental disorders (52 years; 64.9% female). Prevalence of schizophrenia was 0.22% (54 years; 48.9% female). Rate of procedures per year for visits, emergency room, tests, therapies, and hospitalization were 6.2, 1.4, 36.9, 14.4 and 0.8, respectively. The annualized healthcare costs associated with schizophrenia were US$6,658 per patient (hospitalizations 75.0% of the total). The average cost per day of hospitalization was US$420.70. When comparing groups with and without PDP use, annual hospitalization rates were 0.69 and 0.80, and a shorter average hospitalization time (24.3 and 37.7, respectively) (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the mean number of hospital admissions decreased with the use of LAI. Moreover, the average length of hospital stay was also reduced, with data indicating a reduction of 13 bed days per admission, which represents a potential cost savings of approximately US$5,469 per hospitalization, allowing resources to be reallocated to other interventions, such as outpatient monitoring, therapies, and patient support. Furthermore, shorter hospital stays are associated with a lower risk of chronic symptoms and a greater chance of continuous clinical control.
METHODS: Real-world retrospective database using data from January/2019 to December/2024. Beneficiaries diagnosed with mental disorders (ICD10 F00-F99), with a focus on schizophrenia (ICD F20-F29), were identified. Available data includes demographics, comorbidities, HCRU and costs. Results of patients using injectable paliperidone palmitate (PDP) were compared with patients who did not use this medication. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact and Student’s t tests for categorical/continuous measures. Statistical significance for p<0.05.
RESULTS: Of 60,824 beneficiaries (54 years, 59.3% female), 4,842 diagnosed with mental disorders (52 years; 64.9% female). Prevalence of schizophrenia was 0.22% (54 years; 48.9% female). Rate of procedures per year for visits, emergency room, tests, therapies, and hospitalization were 6.2, 1.4, 36.9, 14.4 and 0.8, respectively. The annualized healthcare costs associated with schizophrenia were US$6,658 per patient (hospitalizations 75.0% of the total). The average cost per day of hospitalization was US$420.70. When comparing groups with and without PDP use, annual hospitalization rates were 0.69 and 0.80, and a shorter average hospitalization time (24.3 and 37.7, respectively) (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the mean number of hospital admissions decreased with the use of LAI. Moreover, the average length of hospital stay was also reduced, with data indicating a reduction of 13 bed days per admission, which represents a potential cost savings of approximately US$5,469 per hospitalization, allowing resources to be reallocated to other interventions, such as outpatient monitoring, therapies, and patient support. Furthermore, shorter hospital stays are associated with a lower risk of chronic symptoms and a greater chance of continuous clinical control.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
RWD144
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Real World Data & Information Systems
Topic Subcategory
Health & Insurance Records Systems
Disease
Mental Health (including addition)