Developing a Lifetime Cost Calculator for Spinal Cord Injury: The SCI Cost Calculator

Study DesignHealth economic model.ObjectivesSignificant work has been done to estimate the cost of spinal cord injury (SCI) from a health system perspective. Most of this work, however, does not establish the true cost to the individual living with SCI. This study aimed to develop a cost calculator reflecting both initial health care costs as well as lifetime costs with direct input from people living with SCI.MethodsCosts were seperated into initial costs and lifetime costs. For initial costs, estimates were obtained from Canadian SCI health care data and the literature, and were then adjusted for inflation to 2024. For lifetime costs, input from individuals living with SCI and clinical input were collected. Initial and lifetime costs were integrated into a novel, user-friendly cost calculator.ResultsThe SCI Cost Calculator provides an estimated lifetime SCI cost ranging from $1.9 M (older person living with incomplete SCI) to over $10 M 2024 Canadian dollars (younger person living with complete SCI) which is substantially higher than existing estimates. Initial costs can be as little as 3% of the lifetime cost for younger people or as high as 24% of the lifetime cost for older individuals.ConclusionCurrent cost estimates greatly understate the cost of living with SCI. To understand the support needed for persons living with SCI, an economic model that accurately reflects the costs of living with SCI is critical. Future work includes engaging the wider SCI community to enhance accuracy and validity of the cost domains identified.