Socioeconomic evaluation of a state-funded comprehensive hemophilia-care program

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness, cost, and socioeconomic gains associated with a comprehensive state-funded hemophilia program, we compared data from a three-year experience with such a program in Rhode Island with those from the preceding year. Self-treatment, integration of children into school, and achieving satisfying employment of adults are the main goals of the program. During the most recent year, 77 per cent of the patients with severe hemophilia in the state received total care through the Hemophilia Center. Twenty-eight of the 43 patients now treat themselves, the annual number of hospital days per patient has decreased from 12.6 to 3.5, and the number of visits to hospital facilities has fallen from 34 to 2.4, while the yearly cost of clotting factor per patient has remained about $7,000. Altogether, this has saved more than $10,000 each year for treatment, despite the cost of rehabilitative surgery. Numbers of days lost from school and work have decreased twofold and threefold, respectively. Best of all, comprehensive care has vastly improved the quality of life for patients with hemophilia in Rhode Island.