A Digital Software Support Platform for Hyperthyroidism Management in South Korea: Markov Simulation Model-Based...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Health Economics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Wearable technology offers novel approaches to hyperthyroidism management through continuous heart rate monitoring.
• While digital health is expanding, its cost-effectiveness for hyperthyroidism needs thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the cost-effectiveness of a digital monitoring solution for hyperthyroidism compared to standard care in South Korea.
• To evaluate a wearable or mobile-based digital monitoring system for thyroid function.

Main Methods:

• A Markov microsimulation model simulated costs and effectiveness for 10,000 hyperthyroidism patients.
• Outcomes were measured in Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), with analyses from a healthcare system perspective.
• Cost-effectiveness was determined using Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) and Net Monetary Benefits (NMB).

Main Results:

• Digital monitoring resulted in an additional 0.32 QALYs per patient at an incremental cost of $3143, with an ICER of $9804.30/QALY, below the willingness-to-pay threshold.
• Improved long-term remission rates (22.68% vs. 17.48%) and reduced relapse rates (17.87% vs. 26.37%) were observed with digital monitoring.
• Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated digital intervention as the preferred cost-effective strategy in 64.4% of simulations.

Conclusions:

• Digital monitoring presents a cost-effective strategy for hyperthyroidism management, improving remission and reducing relapse.
• Digital solutions can complement traditional care, providing an economic basis for reimbursement and pricing.
• Further research should incorporate societal costs, including productivity, for a comprehensive economic benefit assessment.