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Cost of treating heart failure in an Irish teaching hospital

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Abstract

Background

The prevalence of heart failure is 3 to 20 per 1,000 population, but may exceed 100 per 1,000 in the over 65 age group. Some 1–2% of the total healthcare budget is consumed in the management of heart failure.

Aim

As hospital costs account for approximately 70% of this expenditure we determined the cost of treating heart failure in an Irish teaching hospital.

Methods

Cost evaluation was from the hospital perspective using a microcosting detailed collection of resources used.

Results

The average cost of a hospital admission for cardiac failure was IR£2,146. The average cost per day was IR£193. Approximately 75% of hospital costs were associated with ward costs. Medications accounted for 3.5% of total costs.

Conclusion

The availability of Irish cost data is essential for the assessment of the cost-effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of heart failure in our healthcare system.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, St James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8

    M. Barry

Authors
  1. B. McGowan
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  2. A. Heerey
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  3. M. Ryan
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  4. M. Barry
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Correspondence to M. Barry.

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McGowan, B., Heerey, A., Ryan, M. et al. Cost of treating heart failure in an Irish teaching hospital. Ir J Med Sci 169, 241–244 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173523

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