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The economic burden of COPD
S D Sullivan1, S D Ramsey, T A Lee
1Departments of Pharmacy and Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. sdsull@u.washington.edu
Chest
|February 16, 2000
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impacts global health and economy. High healthcare costs and utilization are driven by a small patient subset, with increasing hospitalizations observed.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global cause of illness, death, and economic strain.
- Despite significant interest, data on healthcare utilization, costs, and societal impact of COPD remain limited.
- Understanding these burdens is crucial for effective public health and economic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the economic costs, healthcare utilization, and social burden associated with COPD.
- To identify trends in COPD-related hospitalizations and their contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing US and international studies on COPD economic costs and healthcare utilization.
- Analysis of hospitalization data trends, including length of stay and admission rates.
- Estimation of direct and indirect costs, including lost future earnings.
Main Results:
- In 1993, US COPD costs were $23.9 billion ($14.7 billion direct, $9.2 billion indirect).
- A small group (10% of patients) accounts for over 70% of COPD medical costs.
- International data show increased COPD hospital admissions per capita since 1972, despite shorter stays.
Conclusions:
- COPD imposes a substantial and multifaceted economic and social burden.
- A concentrated patient group drives a disproportionately high share of healthcare expenditures.
- Rising COPD hospitalization rates necessitate further investigation into demographic, behavioral, and systemic factors.