The Burden of Providing Informal Care for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Author(s)
Kanters T1, Brugts J2, Manintveld O2, Versteegh M3
1Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 3institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Rotterdam, Netherlands
OBJECTIVES Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer from rapid and irregular heart rates and are at increased risk of comorbidities and mortality. Next to formal medical care, many patients receive care from their social environment. To date, caregiver burden related to AF is poorly studied. This study examines the well-being and economic burden of providing such informal care to patients with atrial fibrillation in the UK, Italy and Germany. METHODS Caregivers of patients with AF were asked to complete an online survey based on the iMTA Valuation of Informal Care Questionnaire, with questions about caregiving situation, perceived burden of caregiving and absence from work due to health problems resulting from caregiving. Care related quality of life utilities were calculated using the CarerQol instrument and associated tariffs. Societal costs of caregiving were calculated based on the proxy good method. RESULTS A total of 585 caregivers participated. On average, caregivers provided 33 hours (SD 29) of informal care per week to patients with AF. On a scale from 0 to 10, their self-rated burden was 5.4. The average CarerQol utility was 72. Caregivers primarily indicated problems with daily activities, mental health and physical health (71%, 60%, and 67% respectively). Still, the vast majority of caregivers (87%) derived some to a lot of fulfilment out of providing care. Societal costs of caregiving were on average €636 per week. Except for costs, differences between countries were limited. Comorbidities contributed substantially to the caregiver time and burden. CONCLUSIONS Caring for AF patients is associated with substantial objective and subjective burden, but also gives fulfillment following the ability to care for a loved one. This signifies that, next to the patient itself, a patient’s social environment is affected by AF too. Informal care is an important aspect to consider in future HTA decisions for AF treatments.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2020-11, ISPOR Europe 2020, Milan, Italy
Value in Health, Volume 23, Issue S2 (December 2020)
Code
PCV99
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Disease Management, Novel & Social Elements of Value, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders