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Cost-benefit analysis of a plateletapheresis program
Insights
A community donor platelet apheresis program (CDPP) provides HLA-matched platelets, proving cost-effective. This program reduced random-donor platelet use and achieved significant cost savings in its first year.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Patients refractory to random-donor platelets (RDPs) require specialized transfusion support.
- HLA-matched platelet transfusions are crucial for refractory patients.
- Community-based apheresis programs offer a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the costs and benefits of a community donor platelet apheresis program (CDPP).
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CDPP in providing HLA-matched platelet transfusions.
- To assess the impact of CDPP on platelet and red cell utilization.
Main Methods:
- Cost-benefit analysis of establishing and maintaining a CDPP.
- Comparison of RDP usage before and after CDPP implementation.
- Matched cohort study of marrow transplant patients receiving CDPP transfusions.
- Analysis of platelet and red cell use in acute leukemia patients supported by CDPP.
Main Results:
- First-year costs for CDPP were $127,520 (1982).
- Estimated first-year net cost savings ranged from $177,570 to $272,253 (1982 dollars).
- Cost-to-benefit ratios were 1:1.39 to 1:2.14.
- CDPP transfusions were as effective as family donors in marrow transplant patients.
- Significant reductions in platelet and red cell use were observed in acute leukemia patients.
Conclusions:
- The community donor platelet apheresis program (CDPP) is a cost-effective strategy.
- CDPP improves platelet support for refractory patients.
- The program demonstrates economic benefits and efficient resource utilization.
Abstract:
We determined costs and benefits of a community donor plateletapheresis program (CDPP) designed to provide HLA-matched platelet transfusions for patients who were refractory to random-donor platelets (RDPs). Costs of establishing and maintaining the CDPP were $127,520 for the first year (1982). Benefits were expressed as cost savings attributed to the CDPP. After the program began, the use of RDP in the community was 17,458 units less than projected. Estimates of net cost savings during the first year ranged from $177,570 to $272,253 (1982 dollars; cost-to-benefit ratios were 1:1.39 to 1:2.14.) In a matched cohort study of marrow transplant patients, CDPP platelet transfusions were as effective as those from family donors while total platelet and red cell use was unchanged. In patients with acute leukemia treated with chemotherapy, significant reduction in both platelet and red cell use was seen after institution of CDPP support. We conclude that the CDPP is a cost-effective approach to platelet support.