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Inpatient resource utilisation in younger (2-5 yrs) and older (6-14 yrs) asthmatic children in Finland
E Valovirta1, V Sazonov Kocevar, M Kaila
1Turku Allergy Centre, Finland.
Insights
Younger children (2-5 yrs) with asthma in Finland utilize three times more inpatient resources and incur higher costs than older children (6-14 yrs). This highlights a significant economic burden of pediatric asthma in Finland.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma is the most common chronic condition in Finnish children.
- The economic impact of pediatric asthma in Finland remains unevaluated.
- Understanding resource utilization is crucial for healthcare management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare inpatient resource utilization between younger (2-5 years) and older (6-14 years) children with asthma in Finland.
- To estimate the total annual inpatient cost of pediatric asthma in Finland.
- To identify age-related differences in asthma-related hospitalizations and costs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a national database of inpatient resource utilization for Finnish children with asthma in 1999.
- Combined regional cost estimates with hospitalization data to calculate total inpatient costs.
- Analyzed incidence of first admissions, hospitalization rates, and rehospitalization rates by age group.
Main Results:
- Younger asthmatic children (2-5 yrs) consumed 3 times more inpatient resources per capita compared to older children (6-14 yrs).
- The incidence of first asthma admissions was 3 times higher in younger children, with hospitalization and rehospitalization rates 3 and 4 times higher, respectively.
- The total annual inpatient cost for pediatric asthma was €1.98 million, with younger children accounting for €1.12 million and older children for €0.86 million.
Conclusions:
- Younger children with asthma place a significantly higher burden on inpatient resources and incur greater costs in Finland.
- Age-related disparities in hospitalizations and costs may stem from variations in primary care practices, diagnostic challenges, and compliance issues in younger children.
- Further research into primary care interventions and management strategies for young asthmatic children is warranted to mitigate economic impact.
Abstract:
Asthma is the most common chronic disorder among Finnish children, however, the economic burden of paediatric asthma in Finland has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare inpatient resource utilisation between younger (2-5 yrs) and older children (6-14 yrs) with asthma in Finland. A national database of inpatient resource utilisation was applied to determine use of hospital services among children with asthma in 1999. Regional estimates of charges were combined with hospitalisation episodes to determine total inpatient cost. The results indicate that younger asthmatic children consume 3-times more inpatient resources per capita. Incidence of first admissions because of asthma was 3-times higher in younger children. Hospitalisation and rehospitalisation rates were also 3- and 4-times higher, respectively. The total annual inpatient cost of asthma in children aged 2-5 and 6-14 yrs was Euro 1.98 million with each group accounting for Euro 1.12 million and Euro 0.86 million, respectively. Regional and age-related differences in hospitalisation rates and costs were likely related to variable clinical practice on the primary level, difficulties with diagnosis and compliance among younger children.