Healthcare Costs and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Multimorbid Patients After Hospitalization

We identified factors associated with healthcare costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of multimorbid older adults with polypharmacy.

Using data from the OPERAM (OPtimising thERapy to prevent Avoidable hospital admissions in the Multimorbid older people) trial, we described the magnitude and composition of healthcare costs, and time trends of HRQoL, during 1-year after an acute-care hospitalization. We performed a cluster analysis to identify groups with different cost and HRQoL trends. Using multilevel models, we also identified factors associated with costs and HRQoL.

Two months after hospitalization monthly mean costs peaked (CHF 7'124) and HRQoL was highest (0.67). They both decreased thereafter. Age, falls, and comorbidities were associated with higher 1-year costs. Being female and housebound were negatively associated with HRQoL, while moderate alcohol consumption had a positive association. Being independent in daily activities was associated with lower costs and higher HRQoL.

Although only some identified potential influences on costs and HRQoL are modifiable, our observations support the importance of prevention before health deterioration in older people with multimorbid illness and associated polypharmacy.