OBJECTIVES: Appropriate monitoring of blood chemistry parameters is essential to optimize the management of diabetic patients. These assessments are typically carried out in analytical laboratories. Today, a valid alternative to the standard path is represented by the Point of Care Testing (PoCT) strategy with which it is possible to carry out the test at the same time as the medical examination.

METHODS:

A budget impact analysis was conducted with the aim of estimating the financial consequences associated with the PoCT use compared to the standard path. The analysis was developed by adopting data from ASL3 of Genoa, considering the SSR perspective and a time horizon of one year. For the scenario without PoCT, in addition to the standard pathway (80% of the sample), differentiated pathways were identified evaluating patients attending the center in the absence of the prescribed tests (16%) and in a condition of metabolic emergency (4%). The valorisation for the base scenario took place according to the microcosting approach, the costs and consumption provided by Genoa ASL3 were used, integrated with data from published referenced sources. To test the robustness of the results, a deterministic sensitivity analysis was developed, adopting a ± 20% variation of the main input data and of the assumptions adopted for the definition of the base case.

RESULTS: The use of PoCT was economically advantageous for patients without tests and with metabolic urgency, resulting in savings for the healthcare facility of 35% and 29% respectively, corresponding to 37% if these categories are considered together. The robustness of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the sustainability of the PoCT monitoring strategy in subgroups of patients, resulting in significant potential savings, freeing up healthcare resources and improving the patient management path.