A cost-effectiveness analysis of a community pharmacist-based smoking cessation programme in Thailand
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
Objective:
To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a structured community pharmacist-based smoking cessation programme compared with usual care.
Design:
A cost-effectiveness study using a healthcare system perspective Population: Two simulated cohorts of smokers: male and female aged 40, 50 and 60 years who regularly smoke 10-20 cigarettes per day. Intervention and comparator: A structured community pharmacist-based smoking cessation (CPSC) programme compared to usual care.
Main Outcome Measure:
Cost per life year gained (LYG) attributable to the smoking cessation programme.
Results:
The CPSC programme results in cost savings of 17,503.53 baht ( pound250; euro325; $500) to the health system and life year gains of 0.18 years for men and; costs savings of 21,499.75 baht ( pound307; euro399; $614) and life year gains of 0.24 years for women. A series of sensitivity analyses demonstrate that both cost savings and life year gains are sensitive to variations in the discount rate and the long-term smoking quit rate associated with the intervention.
Conclusion:
From the perspective of the health system, the CPSC programme yields cost savings and life year gains. This finding provides important information for health policy decision-makers when determining the magnitude of resources to be allocated to smoking cessation service in community pharmacy.
Related Concept Videos
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Drug Analysis Methods
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Analysis of Population Pharmacokinetic Data

