Cost Analysis of the Thriasio School Screening Program for Scoliosis
Author Information
Author(s): Grivas Theodoros B, Vasiliadis Elias S, Maziotou Christina, Savvidou Olga D
Primary Institution: Orthopaedic Department, 'Thriasio' General Hospital, Greece
Hypothesis
What is the direct cost of performing the school screening for scoliosis in a district hospital?
Conclusion
The cost of our school-screening program is low, providing strong evidence for its continuation from a financial perspective.
Supporting Evidence
- The average cost per child for the screening program was calculated to be 2.04 euro.
- Twenty examiners were involved in the program, working a total of 1949 hours.
- The program was carried out voluntarily by trained health professionals.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much it costs to check kids for scoliosis in schools, and it found that it's not very expensive.
Methodology
A cost analysis was performed for the estimation of the direct cost of the screening program involving 6470 pupils aged 6–18 years old screened for spinal deformities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the voluntary nature of the program and the lack of funding.
Limitations
The study does not account for indirect costs or the psychological impact of screening.
Participant Demographics
Pupils aged 6–18 years old, both boys and girls.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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