Therapy by physician–pharmacist combination and economic returns for cancer pain management in China: a cost-effectiveness analysis

• DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1073939
• Publication Date: 2023-08-04T10:23:12Z
• Authors: Xikui Lu; Lu Zhang; Hangxing Huang; Xiangping Wu; Zhenting Wang; Ling Huang; Jingyang Li; Huimin Yu; Hongyan Zhang; Jian Xiao
• Keywords: Outpatient clinic

Objective: To examine whether joint management of cancer pain by physicians and pharmacists in clinics provides economic advantages from the perspective Chinese healthcare system. Methods: From February 2018 to March 2020, 100 patients who visited clinic at Xiangya Hospital Central South University were included. These randomly assigned either control or intervention groups. The group received regular outpatient services a physician, while physician medication education provided pharmacist. study considered various direct costs, including drug expenses, physician-pharmacist services, adverse event management, consultations, examinations, readmissions. outcome indicators rate reduction scores. Decision tree modeling, single-factor sensitivity analysis, probabilistic analysis performed evaluate cost-effectiveness compared physician-alone services. Results: showed significantly higher than (0.69 vs. 0.39, p = 0.03). In decision model, had lower score (0.23 0.14). cost per person was $165.39, it $191.1 group. univariate that self-management for identified as primary factor. Probabilistic indicated favorable incremental addition, demonstrated an absolute advantage over Conclusion: participation led improved patients, demonstrating clear terms cost-effectiveness.