A cost-effectiveness model of smoking cessation based on a randomised controlled trial of varenicline versus placebo in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Source: Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, December 2011, vol. 12, part 17, pp. 2613-26

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Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Examined the cost-effectiveness of varenicline from the perspective of the healthcare systems of Spain (base case), the UK, France, Germany, Greece and Italy.  A Markov model was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness of varenicline as an aid to smoking cessation, compared to a placebo, in a COPD population. Cost-effectiveness was determined by the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.  Results suggest that varenicline had a 95% probability of being cost effective at a threshold of 30,000 euros per QALY.

Length of publication:  24 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Acknowledgement: Medline

The economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly: results from a systematic review of the literature

Source: Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, December 2011 vol. 17, Suppl 1, pp. S35-41

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Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: A literature review of the economic studies evaluating costs and healthcare resource utilization in elderly (>= 65 years) COPD patients.  Found a trend of direct cost growth in the elderly population, which can be explained by a more frequent use of acute healthcare services, especially for managing COPD exacerbations.  The supplement has a range of articles concerning COPD coverning management of acute exacerbations, identifying the knowledge gaps in research, and comorbidities.

Length of publication:  7 pages

Acknowledgement: Medline

Fully incremental cost-effectiveness analysis of available treatment options in the management of severe COPD in the UK setting

Source: Value in Health  Volume 14, Issue 7, November 2011, A495

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Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type: Conference abstact

In a nutshell: This analysis compares the long-term costs and outcomes associated with different treatment options for the management of severe COPD in the UK. A fully incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted for LABA, LAMA, PDE-4 inhibitors, and ICS in various combinations of these treatments. The analysis was from the NHS perspective based on 30 years of information. The results found that LAMA is the most effective monotherapy, and details the other combinations by QALY.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library 

Acknowledgement: EMBASE

£800m savings identified through better COPD care

Source: Health Service Journal

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Publication Type: News story

In a nutshell: NHS commissioners could save more than £800m over the next decade by improving care pathways for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Length of publication: Web page

Some important notes: Extra content available to subscribers only; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.