Where does the money go to? Cost analysis of gynecological patients with a benign condition

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http://hdl.handle.net/10138/334313

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Pynnä , K , Räsänen , P , Roine , R P , Vuorela , P & Sintonen , H 2021 , ' Where does the money go to? Cost analysis of gynecological patients with a benign condition ' , PLoS One , vol. 16 , no. 7 , 0254124 . https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254124

Title: Where does the money go to? Cost analysis of gynecological patients with a benign condition
Author: Pynnä, Kristiina; Räsänen, Pirjo; Roine, Risto P.; Vuorela, Piia; Sintonen, Harri
Contributor organization: HUS Gynecology and Obstetrics
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Helsinki
Helsinki University Hospital Area
HUS Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District
Clinicum
Harri Sintonen Research Group
Department of Public Health
Date: 2021-07-09
Language: eng
Number of pages: 11
Belongs to series: PLoS One
ISSN: 1932-6203
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254124
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10138/334313
Abstract: Objectives The impact of benign gynecological conditions on life of women and on costs for the society is high. The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge and understanding of costs of the treatment of these disorders in order to be able to improve the clinical care processes, gain insight into feasible savings opportunities and to allocate funds wisely. Methods The healthcare processes of 311 women attending university or community hospitals in the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District between June 2012 and August 2013 due to a benign gynecological condition were followed up for two years and treatment costs analysed. Results Total direct hospital costs averaged 689euro at six months and 2194euro at two years. The most expensive treatment was that of uterine fibroids in the short term and that of endometriosis and fibroids later on. Costs did not depend on hospital size. Surgical operations caused nearly half of hospital costs. Productivity loss caused biggest expenses outside of the hospital. LNG-IUD (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) accounted for the largest pharmaceutical costs for patients. Hospital treatment was associated with a reduced need for outpatient services during follow-up. Conclusions A majority of direct hospital costs arise over time. This stresses the need for prolonged healthcare management. To control costs, the need for repetitive doctors' appointments, monitoring tests, and ward treatments should be carefully evaluated. Procedures not needing an operation theatre (for example hysteroscopy for polypectomy), should be done ambulatorily.
Subject: QUALITY-OF-LIFE
ENDOMETRIOSIS
WOMEN
HYSTERECTOMY
OUTPATIENT
3123 Gynaecology and paediatrics
Peer reviewed: Yes
Rights: cc_by
Usage restriction: openAccess
Self-archived version: publishedVersion


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