Understanding and modelling the economic impact of spinal cord injuries in the United Kingdom

Spinal Cord, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-019-0285-1 · Published: May 13, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study models the lifetime costs associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the UK, considering both direct costs like healthcare and indirect costs like lost employment. The model takes into account different severities of injury, age, and gender to estimate the total economic burden of SCI on society and the public purse. The findings highlight the significant financial impact of SCI and can be used to inform policy decisions related to prevention, treatment, and support for individuals living with SCI.

Study Duration

12 months

Participants

1270 new cases of SCI per annum

Evidence Level

Economic modelling analysis

Key Findings

1
The estimated lifetime costs for new SCI cases in the UK are £1.43 billion per year, with a mean cost of £1.12 million per case.
2
Seventy-one percent of these costs are potentially paid by the public purse, while the remaining costs are due to reduced employment and carer time.
3
The model is sensitive to the level and costs of long-term home and residential care, indicating these are key drivers of overall costs.

Research Summary

This study estimated the lifetime economic costs of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United Kingdom using an incidence-based modeling approach. The model considered direct healthcare costs, costs of aids and adaptations, informal care costs, and productivity losses. The analysis revealed that new SCI cases in the UK incur substantial lifetime costs, with a significant portion borne by the public sector. The costs vary depending on injury severity and other factors. The study highlights the importance of considering the long-term economic impact of SCI and can inform policy decisions related to prevention, treatment, and support services. The model can be adapted for use in other country contexts.

Practical Implications

Inform Policy Decisions

The cost estimates can be used to inform healthcare policy and resource allocation for SCI prevention and management.

Justify Investment in Prevention

The high economic burden of SCI strengthens the case for investing in preventative measures and early intervention programs.

Evaluate Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions

The model provides a framework for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different interventions and care pathways for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The analysis is likely to be conservative due to the omission of certain costs, such as treatment for specific complications and the impact on quality of life.
2
The study relies on data from specific SCI centers and may not fully capture the costs of non-traumatic SCI cases.
3
Employment rates for AIS-D cases were assumed, and actual employment rates may vary, affecting the accuracy of productivity loss estimates.

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