PMU32 COSTS OF HEALTHCARE ANTICIPATED IN PEOPLE AFTER METHANOL INTOXICATION

Abstract

In 2012-2013 Czech Republic was confronted with a mass methanol-poisoning outbreak. There were 137 persons reported (the actual number might have been higher). The study of anticipated long-term healthcare costs is based on the research carried out in the General University Hospital in Prague that collected data on long-term effects in those who survived. The objective of the presented study was to assess only costs of healthcare that would possibly be required from the public insurance perspective. The Hospital research covered 66% out of 83 reported persons that survived. Their health state was biannually assessed in 2013-2019, when the following examinations were carried out: blood and urine biochemical analysis, EMG, brain MRI/CT, ocular examinations. Based on clinical data, expert estimations of needed healthcare whose projected consumption was related to the methanol intoxication effects were done for the period 2013-2019. Subsequently, the costs of that healthcare were calculated from the payer perspective. Following diagnosed neurological and/or visual effects, particular therapies were indicated based on the expert estimations for 61.7-70.7% of patients in the research sample. Costs per person were estimated at CZK 4,143 in the first year and in the range CZK 1,845-2,760 in the following six years. For the whole seven-year period, the total healthcare costs per person were estimated at CZK 18,223, of which CZK 9,418 were spent on pharmacotherapy. (The exchange rate fluctuated in the range 25.6-27.9 CZK/EUR in the given period.) A future increase in costs is expected in neurological care due to the risk of development of parkinsonian syndromes. The results of the study highlight regular stable costs related to the treatment of methanol intoxication long-term effects that must be considered for the future as well. Thus, any assessment of future healthcare costs should incorporate also long-term effects and possible complications.