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Financial and emotional cost of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
K A McAleese1, M A Knapp, T T Rhodes
1Department of Radiology, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson.
Insights
Caring for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at home with oxygen therapy saves costs but increases family financial and emotional burdens. Support is crucial for successful home care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) significantly prolongs infant hospitalization and medical costs.
- Early discharge with home oxygen therapy offers cost savings but burdens families.
- Infant respiratory disease management presents complex care challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the financial and emotional impact of home oxygen therapy for infants with BPD on families.
- To compare the costs of home oxygen therapy with continued hospitalization.
- To identify factors associated with successful family coping.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalization costs for 59 infants with BPD.
- Assessment of home oxygen therapy duration and costs.
- Survey of family financial and emotional stress, including coping mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Median initial hospitalization cost was $173,160 per infant.
- Home oxygen therapy cost $5,195 for 92 days, versus projected $46,920 for hospitalization.
- Two-thirds of families reported increased financial stress; 44% experienced emotional stress.
Conclusions:
- Home oxygen therapy for BPD infants reduces healthcare costs but imposes significant family burdens.
- Financial stability and adequate insurance correlate with better parental coping.
- Comprehensive social and financial support is essential for families managing infants with BPD at home.
Abstract:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants with neonatal respiratory disease significantly increases the duration of hospitalization and cost of medical care. Early discharge on home oxygen therapy results in cost savings for third-party payers and the hospital, but adds financial and emotional burdens for the family. The median cost of initial hospitalization for 59 infants was $173,160 each. The median duration of home oxygen therapy was 92 days; the median cost was $5,195, compared with a projected cost of $46,920 for hospitalization for the same period. Two thirds of the 59 families experienced increased financial stress associated with marital status, reduced income, type of health insurance, and/or lack of respite or nursing help. Emotional stress was assessed in 26 (44%) of the families; one half coped well. Parents' perception of adequate insurance and stable income was significantly associated with positive coping. Providing home care for an infant with BPD on oxygen therapy is rewarding in many respects, but success requires appreciating its financial and emotional impact on families and providing them with social and financial support.