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BACKGROUND: A long-term complication among organ transplant recipients (OTRs) is skin malignancies which are associated with level and duration of immunosuppressive treatment, sun exposure and age. Dermatological surveillance is recommended for OTRs at high risk of skin malignancies, but evidence is lacking on the benefits of such services. OBJECTIVE: To examine the economic impact on patients and on the hospital service of a multidisciplinary high-throughput skin cancer Clinic in Brisbane, Australia, dedicated to dermatological and surgical care of high-risk OTRs. METHODS: In a pre-post design, hospital admission and cost data were obtained for 101 consecutively-enrolled study participants from 12 months prior to the introduction of the Clinic (to February 2016), the 3-month 'run-in' period (March to May 2016), and 12 months subsequent (to June 2017). Differences between pre- and post-Clinic hospital costs were tested using non-parametric bootstrapping and interrupted time series analysis. A survey of patient out-of-pocket costs and perceived financial burden was also undertaken during the Clinic. RESULTS: Overall hospital costs were higher after the Clinic but 3-monthly hospital costs for skin procedures trended downwards. Despite 3-monthly mean hospital visits increasing from 85 to 314, mean 3-monthly costs reduced by AU$1,491 (p<0.001) indicating greater cost-efficiency. Total patient out-of-pocket costs were AU$18,377 over 3 months. CONCLUSION: Clinical costing data revealed higher, more rapid throughput, and significantly lower per patient costs pre- and post- establishment of a multidisciplinary skin cancer Clinic for OTRs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/jdv.15458

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol

Publication Date

01/02/2019

Keywords

cost-analysis, financial well-being, hospital costs, organ transplant, out-of-pocket expenses