Cost Evaluation of the Georgia Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program
Author Information
Author(s): Rein David B, Orenstein Diane, Constantine Roberta T, Chen Hong, Jones Patricia, Brownstein J. Nell, Farris Rosanne
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is the Georgia Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program more cost-effective than no treatment or usual care for hypertension?
Conclusion
The Georgia Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program is more cost-effective and results in better health outcomes than no preventive care or usual care.
Supporting Evidence
- The program resulted in 54% fewer expected adverse events compared to no care.
- SHAPP patients had a blood pressure control rate of 68.1% in District 1 and 59.7% in District 2.
- Annual costs for SHAPP treatment were lower than both no treatment and usual care.
Takeaway
The program helps people with high blood pressure get better care for less money, which means fewer health problems.
Methodology
The study compared costs and health outcomes of the program with no treatment and usual care using administrative data and statistical models.
Potential Biases
The results may overestimate SHAPP's effectiveness due to reliance on data from higher-performing districts.
Limitations
The study only examined two districts and relied on inferred data for expected adverse events.
Participant Demographics
The program primarily serves low-income patients with hypertension in Georgia.
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