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Evaluation of Immunobiological Cold Chain Costs
Heuler Souza Andrade1, Maurílio de Souza Cazarim2, Valéria Conceição de Oliveira3
1University of the State of Minas Gerais, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil heulerandrade@gmail.com.
Insights
This study determined the cost of the immunobiological cold chain (CC) in Brazil, finding that non-medical expenses and human resources significantly impact overall expenditure. Managers should prioritize these areas for efficient CC operations.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Public Health
- Supply Chain Management
Background:
- Assessing the costs of the immunobiological cold chain (CC) is crucial but understudied.
- Understanding resource allocation factors within the CC is essential for efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the overall cost of the immunobiological cold chain.
- To identify key cost drivers within the CC.
Main Methods:
- A Health Economic Assessment was conducted in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2021-2022).
- Analysis utilized micro- and macrocosting, considering the Public Health System perspective.
- Included direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs over a one-year period.
Main Results:
- The total cost of the immunobiological CC was USD 20,014,545.
- Non-medical direct costs constituted the largest portion (61.24%).
- Human resources were the most influential cost factor (76.43%).
Conclusions:
- Human resources and non-medical costs are the most significant drivers of CC expenses.
- Managers should focus on these influential items to enhance CC efficiency and resource planning.
Abstract:
Background and Purpose: Studies assessing the costs of the immunobiological cold chain (CC) are scarce. Therefore, the factors that influence the allocation of resources in this process are not known. The objective of this study is to determine the cost of the immunobiological CC. Methods: The Health Economic Assessment study was carried out in Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022. The unit of analysis was the municipal level of the CC. The perspective of the Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was considered as a funder, the year 2021 was considered as the time frame, and the period of 1 year was considered as the time horizon of the analysis. Direct medical, nonmedical, and indirect costs were included. A mixed technique was used involving micro- and macrocosting and sensitivity analysis to identify the influence of the main categories on the final cost. Results: The total cost was USD 20,014,545, with nonmedical direct costs being the most representative (61.24%). Human resources were the most influential items, representing 76.43% of the total cost. Conclusions: The most influential items should be those of greatest concern and planned by managers to make the CC more efficient.
