Multimorbidity healthcare expenditure in Belgium: a 4-year analysis (COMORB study)

• DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01113-x
• Publication Date: 2024-03-22T17:02:33Z
• Authors: Phuong Bich Tran; Georgios F. Nikol...; Emmanuel Abatih; Philippe Bos; Finaba Berete; Vanessa Gorasso; Johan Van der Heyden; Joseph Kazibwe; Ewan Morgan Tomeny; Guido Van Hal; Philippe Beutels; Josefien van Olmen
• Keywords: Dyad; Health administration; Health Economics; Health Services Research; Population Health

Abstract Background The complex management of health needs in multimorbid patients, alongside limited cost data, presents challenges developing cost-effective patient-care pathways. We estimated the costs managing 171 dyads and 969 triads Belgium, taking into account influence morbidity interactions on costs. Methods followed a retrospective longitudinal study design, using linked Belgian Health Interview Survey 2018 administrative claim database 2017–2020 hosted by Intermutualistic Agency. included people aged 15 older, who had complete profiles ( N = 9753). Applying system costing perspective, average annual direct per person dyad/triad was presented 2022 Euro comprised mainly medical developed mixed models to analyse impact single chronic conditions, healthcare costs, considering two-/three-way within dyads/triads, key determinants clustering at household level. Results People with multimorbidity constituted nearly half population their total around three quarters population. most common dyad, arthropathies + dorsopathies, 14% prevalence rate, accounted for 11% national expenditure. frequent triad, dorsopathies hypertension, 5% contributed 5%. dyad triad were €3515 (95% CI 3093–3937) €4592 3920–5264), respectively. Dyads associated cancer, diabetes, fatigue, genitourinary problems incurred highest In cases, lower or not substantially different from combined same conditions observed separate patients. Conclusion Prevalent combinations, rather than high-cost ones, made greater contribution Our contributes sparse evidence this topic globally Europe, aim improving care patients diverse needs.