Cost-Effectiveness of Correcting Asthma Misdiagnoses
Author Information
Author(s): Smita Pakhale, Amanda Sumner, Douglas Coyle, Katherine Vandemheen, Shawn Aaron
Primary Institution: University of Ottawa, and The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Hypothesis
Is a secondary screening program for asthma cost-effective in patients with a physician diagnosis of asthma?
Conclusion
Implementing a secondary screening program for asthma can lead to significant cost savings by identifying misdiagnosed patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 28% of subjects with physician-diagnosed asthma did not have asthma when objectively studied.
- 71% of misdiagnosed patients were on asthma medications.
- Average cost savings per 100 individuals screened was $35,141.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people diagnosed with asthma might not actually have it, and checking can save a lot of money on unnecessary medicine.
Methodology
Randomly selected patients with physician-diagnosed asthma underwent a diagnostic algorithm to confirm or exclude asthma, followed by a 6-month follow-up.
Potential Biases
Potential measurement errors and recall bias may affect the data.
Limitations
The study did not account for costs associated with establishing alternative diagnoses once asthma was ruled out.
Participant Demographics
Subjects were randomly selected from 8 Canadian cities, including both obese and normal weight individuals aged 16 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 19-37%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website