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Background: Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory, and eczematous skin disease. The clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis is characterized by erythematous, pruritic, dry, scaly, and often lichenified skin. The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis can vary greatly among countries, and across different age groups. Currently, atopic dermatitis doesn’t have a resolving treatment. Consequently, the purpose of management is to improve symptoms and achieve long-term disease control. Atopic dermatitis generates a considerable consumption of resources, developing significant economic consequences for patients, healthcare systems, and society. This study aimed to estimate the economic and social burden for atopic dermatitis patients in the Italian context. Methods: A Cost of Illness analysis was developed. Two perspectives of analysis were established for the study: the National Health System perspective and the societal perspective. Therefore, direct healthcare and non-healthcare costs, and indirect costs were included in the analysis. Data were identified and measured through the administration of a survey to patients affected by atopic dermatitis. Results: The annual total cost of a patient for the management of atopic dermatitis is equal to € 7,041.12. Within the overall cost per patient, direct health care costs (€ 3,290.69) accounting for 46.74% of the total expenditure, indirect costs (€ 1,924.92) accounting for 25.93% of the expenditure, and finally out-of-pocket expenses accounting for 27.34% of the expenditure being valued at € 1,825.52. Conclusion: The Cost of Illness analysis carried out underlines how atopic dermatitis places a significant financial burden on the healthcare system, but even more so on patients affected by this condition. Indirect costs and out-of-pocket expenditures, such as those related to the purchase of drugs, non-pharmacological treatment, and lost working days, represent the most important items of the atopic dermatitis economic and social burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a significant public health problem in Italy, with a high prevalence and a substantial economic burden on the National Health Service (NHS). Effective management of the disease is crucial for reducing exacerbations and improving patients' quality of life. Methods: This study employs a dynamic predictive model to assess the economic impact of implementing three specific health policies aimed at improving COPD management over a five-year horizon. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of the NHS, focusing on the direct costs associated with disease management. Results: The implementation of the proposed policies demonstrated potential significant savings in direct healthcare costs. The first policy, focused on increasing therapeutic adherence, generated an estimated savings of 202 million €. The second, concerning the wider use of triple therapies, led to savings of about 142 million €. Finally, the third policy, aimed at reducing the delay in prescribing appropriate therapies, contributed to an additional saving of over 175 million € in the time horizon considered in the analysis. Overall, these results suggest a substantial improvement opportunity in COPD management, with significant economic benefits for the Italian NHS. Conclusion: The study confirms the importance of targeted policies in the management of COPD, highlighting how strategic interventions can lead to significant resource savings while simultaneously improving patient care. These results provide a solid foundation for further research and serve as a useful guide for decision-makers in planning effective intervention strategies, aimed at optimizing resources and enhancing disease management in the Italian healthcare context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal clotting process leading to serious health complications such as thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Despite its clinical significance, the estimated broader economic and social impacts in Italy on patients and society remain underexplored. Methods: A detailed questionnaire, developed and validated by a panel of cTTP experts, was distributed to healthcare professionals and patient associations to gather comprehensive data on the economic and social burden of cTTP in Italy. The study was focused on direct and indirect costs associated with the disease management of 15 patients with cTTP, as well as out-of-pocket expenses incurred by patients. Results: The analysis revealed that of the 15 patients diagnosed with cTTP in Italy, 60% were adults aged 40-55 years. Productivity loss and diminished quality of life dominated the economic burden of cTTP, accounting for 81.05% of total costs. Direct medical costs, while substantial, represented a smaller portion of the overall financial impact. Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses, though constituting the smallest fraction, underscored the financial contributions made by patients towards their own care management. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to cTTP management that extends beyond the clinical treatment. Addressing the economic and social implications of the disease is crucial for improving patient well-being and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems. The study advocates for increased awareness, research, and access to care for cTTP patients, highlighting the importance of comprehensive support networks to mitigate the disease's broader societal impacts, estimated to be around 2 million euro for 15 patients in 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An ostomy is a procedure in which an opening is made in the abdominal wall to establish a communication between the intestinal or urinary system and the external environment. Peristomal skin complications pose a constant challenge for the majority of individuals with a stoma, as they represent the most common postoperative complication. The aim of this study was to develop an economic evaluation model for assessing the costs associated with peristomal skin complications. Methods: In order to identify these costs, a survey was conducted in collaboration with the Coloplast Ostomy Forum group with the aim of mapping and documenting the timelines and all activities in the management of these complications. The data obtained from the survey were subsequently analyzed using the Activity Based Costing methodology. Results: The results of this analysis clearly indicate that the expenditure for initial visits is higher compared to subsequent ones, and that severe peristomal skin complications impose a greater economic burden than less severe complications. Specifically, the average total cost for managing severe peristomal skin complications amounts to € 104.6. Conclusion: This kind of analysis could provide support to decision-makers in dealing with a more accurate estimate of costs related to healthcare processes, aiming to implement rates able to "cover" the overall cost of certain healthcare activities. Specifically, there is currently no specific rate aimed at defining the value associated with the care and management of this type of complication, so this study confirms that this is an economic challenge that the National Health Service must address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Giornale Italiano di Health Technology Assessment Delivery is the property of Springer Healthcare Italia Srl and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Giornale Italiano di Health Technology Assessment Delivery is the property of Springer Healthcare Italia Srl and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)