Estimating Radiotherapy Costs in Catalonia
Author Information
Author(s): Julieta Corral, Manel Algara, Carles Muñoz-Montplet, Arantxa Eraso, Jordi Giralt, Noémie Defourny, Yolande Lievens, Josep Maria Borras
Primary Institution: Catalonian Cancer Plan, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia
Hypothesis
The study aims to estimate the cost of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in public health care centers in Catalonia using the ESTRO-HERO costing model for 2018.
Conclusion
The study provides a first approximation to EBRT cost in Catalonia, showing that treatment costs increase with complexity and decrease with hypofractionation schemes.
Supporting Evidence
- The total cost of EBRT in 2018 was estimated at EUR 42.2 million.
- Directly related treatment activities represented 69.0% of the total cost.
- Mean radical treatment cost varied from €1714 (leukemia) to €4,645 (pancreas).
- Costs ranged from €1,475 (3D conformal) to €3,608 (rotational IMRT).
- The mean cost of treatment increased by 15.6% when including complementary examinations and hospital overhead costs.
Takeaway
This study looks at how much it costs to give radiation treatment to cancer patients in Catalonia, finding that simpler treatments are cheaper.
Methodology
The study used the time-driven activity-based costing (TD-ABC) methodology to estimate costs based on personnel, equipment, and activity data from 2018.
Limitations
The cost model may underestimate resources and costs of EBRT as it does not include hospital overhead costs.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 11 radiotherapy centers in Catalonia covering a population of 7.5 million people.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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