Abstract
Objectives: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.