Cost-effectiveness of a national exercise referral programme for primary care patients in Wales: results of a randomised controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1021
• Publication Date: 2013-10-29T02:01:36Z
• Authors: Rhiannon Tudor Ed...; Pat Linck; Natalia Hounsome; Larry Raisanen; Nefyn Williams; Laurence Moore; Simon Murphy
• Keywords: Economic Evaluation; Health Economics

A recent HTA review concluded that there was a need for RCTs of exercise referral schemes (ERS) people with medical diagnosis who might benefit from exercise. Overall, is still uncertainty as to the cost-effectiveness ERS. Evaluation public health interventions places challenges on conventional economics approaches. This economic evaluation national intervention addresses this issue where ERS may be most cost effective through subgroup analysis, particularly important at time financial constraint. analysis included 798 individuals aged 16 and over (55% randomised controlled trial (RCT) sample) coronary heart disease risk factors and/or mild moderate anxiety, depression or stress. Individuals were referred by professionals in primary care setting week scheme (NERS) delivered qualified local leisure centres Wales, UK. Health-related quality life, services use, costs per participant NERS, willingness pay NERS measured 6 12 months. The base case assumed participation £385 person year, mean difference QALYs between two groups 0.027. incremental ratio £12,111 QALY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity demonstrated an 89% probability being cost-effective payer threshold £30,000 QALY. When payments £1 £2 session considered, fell (base case) £10,926 £9,741, respectively. Participants mental factor alone combination chronic generated lower ICER (£10,276) compared participants only (£13,060). Results analyses suggest saving fully adherent participants. Though full adherence (62%) higher sample than main (44%), results can Wales respect existing thresholds CHD factors. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN47680448