A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Randomized Control Trial of a Tailored, Multifactorial Program to Prevent Falls Among the Community-Dwelling Elderly

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 Jan;100(1):1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.434. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Abstract

Objective: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of a multifactorial, tailored intervention to reduce falls among a heterogeneous group of high-risk elderly people.

Design: Randomized control trial.

Settings: Communities.

Participants: Adults aged at least 65 years (N=354) seen at the emergency department (ED) for a fall or fall-related injury and discharged home.

Interventions: The intervention group received a tailored program of physical therapy focused on progressive training in strength, balance, and gait for a period of 3 months. They also received screening and referrals for low vision, polypharmacy, and environmental hazards. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test was assessed at regular intervals to allocate participants into either a home-based or group center-based program. The control group received usual care prescribed by a physician and educational materials on falls prevention.

Main outcome measures: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over the 9-month study period based on intervention costs and utility in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated from EuroQol-5D scores.

Results: The ICER was 120,667 Singapore dollars (S$) per QALY gained (S$362/0.003 QALYs), above benchmark values (S$70,000). However, the intervention was more effective and cost-saving among those with SPPB scores of greater than 6 at baseline, higher cognitive function, better vision and no more than 1 fall in the preceding 6 months. The intervention was also cost-effective among those with 0-1 critical comorbidities (S$22,646/QALY).

Conclusion: The intervention was, overall, not cost-effective, compared to usual care. However, the program was cost-effective among healthier subgroups, and even potentially cost-saving among individuals with sufficient reserve to benefit.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01713543.

Keywords: Cost analysis; Falls; Randomized controlled trial; Rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / economics*
  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control
  • Aged
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Independent Living / economics*
  • Male
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / economics*
  • Program Evaluation / economics*
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • Singapore

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01713543