Economic Burden of Osteoarthritis in Greece

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of patients in the PONOS study underwent joint replacement procedures?

15%

23% (correct)

38%

50%

What is the significance of the annual medical examinations cost for OA patients in Greece?

It is not a significant expense for moderate to severe OA patients.

It accounts for almost half of the National Health Insurance contributions.

It is included in the total annual cost calculations. (correct)

It can reach up to €500 per patient.

Which of the following is NOT identified as an unmet need in osteoarthritis management?

Stronger enforcement of medical regulations (correct)

Early diagnosis and management

Innovation in treatment

Public health interventions

What is the total annual financial impact of osteoarthritis on a single patient?

€5,176.7 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was highlighted as a key cost component in the private contributions for OA patients?

Unpaid caregiving costs Signup and view all the answers

Which treatments are suggested to potentially lower the need for joint replacements?

ORMI and BioEnthesis devices Signup and view all the answers

How significant is the expected cost of caregiving for moderate to severe OA patients annually?

€9,360 Signup and view all the answers

What critical role does early diagnosis and management play in treating osteoarthritis?

It reduces the economic burden on the healthcare system. Signup and view all the answers

What annual average contribution does the National Health Insurance Fund make per patient for treating osteoarthritis?

€813.4 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor driving the prevalence of osteoarthritis according to the study?

Aging population Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the PONOS study?

Assess the economic burden of moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Signup and view all the answers

How many patients were included in the PONOS study?

164 patients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments had patients failed to tolerate in the PONOS study?

NSAIDs Signup and view all the answers

What was the total average direct cost per patient annually identified in the PONOS study?

€1,675.3 Signup and view all the answers

Which indirect cost was found to be the most significant in the PONOS study?

Lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients reported requiring private caregiving in the study?

2.4% Signup and view all the answers

Which healthcare site characteristic was part of the PONOS study design?

Data was collected from 9 healthcare sites across Greece. Signup and view all the answers

What age group did the PONOS study focus on for its patient sample?

Patients aged 18 years and older Signup and view all the answers

What were the Kellgren-Lawrence grades of osteoarthritis included in the PONOS study?

Grade 3-4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated ratio of indirect costs to direct costs for osteoarthritis patients according to the study?

up to 4:1 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

PONOS Study: Economic Burden of Osteoarthritis in Greece

Study Objective: Assess the economic impact of moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA) on patients and the Greek healthcare system. Analyzed data from 164 patients across 9 Greek healthcare sites. Used a non-interventional, cross-sectional, prospective design.
Study Participants: Patients (18 years and older) with moderate to severe OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3-4) of hip or knee. Patients had failed or couldn't tolerate treatment with paracetamol, NSAIDs, or opioids. Recruited from 9 Greek sites between April and November 2021.
Cost Drivers (Direct):
- Medical Visits: €813.4 annually (avg. per patient), including physiotherapy, equipment, and diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI).
- Joint Replacement Surgery (JR): €4,326.3 annually (avg. per patient) for those undergoing procedures. 38 patients (23%) had JR.
- Paid Care: €9,360 annually (avg. per patient) for those needing private caregiving. 4 patients (2.5%) fell in this category.
- Average Total Direct Costs: €1,675.3 annually per patient.
Cost Drivers (Indirect):
- Lost Productivity: €3,501.4 annually (avg. per patient) due to absenteeism (sick leave) and presenteeism (reduced productivity from chronic pain).
- Indirect costs (disability compensation, early retirement) were estimated to be possibly four times higher than direct costs.
Significance of Joint Replacement Surgery:
- Represents a major cost component (€4,326.3 annually).
- Important procedure for end-stage OA but a significant financial burden, especially in Greece due to reliance on private funding.
Impact on the Greek Healthcare System:
- Public Funding (e.g., NOPHS): €813.4 annual contribution per patient (covering medical examinations, physiotherapy, and equipment).
- Private Funding: Significant costs for private caregiving (up to €9,360 annually per patient), impacting patients and families. Unpaid caregiving reduces formal costs but increases indirect burdens.
- Overall: Combined public and private funding underlines the need for affordable, innovative treatments to reduce costs and improve outcomes.
Unmet Needs in Osteoarthritis Management:
- Treatment Innovation: Focus on solutions for joint regeneration to reduce reliance on costly procedures like joint replacements.
- Public Health Interventions: Address risk factors such as obesity and aging to curtail OA prevalence.
- Early Diagnosis and Management: Timely, effective interventions to minimize long-term costs and improve patient outcomes.
Total Financial Impact per Patient:
- Combined Direct and Indirect Costs: €5,176.7 annually per patient.
- Patients requiring joint replacement or paid caregiving have costs significantly exceeding €9,360 per year per patient. Indicates critical need for innovative cost-effective solutions like new technologies.
Leveraging Findings for Healthcare Innovation:
- Advanced Treatments Introduction: Technologies like ORMI and BioEnthesis could reduce the procedure burden and related costs.
- Decreasing Costs: Reducing procedures, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient recovery would decrease direct and indirect costs.
- Strategic Partnerships: Hospitals can partner with insurers and incorporate these technologies for improved orthopedic care.

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Description

This study focuses on the economic impact of moderate to severe osteoarthritis on patients and the Greek healthcare system. It analyzes direct costs related to medical visits, joint replacement surgeries, and paid care across a sample of Greek patients. The findings highlight significant financial implications for the healthcare system and individuals suffering from OA.