The cost of HIV medication adherence support interventions: Results of a cross-site evaluation

Bruce R. Schackman*, R. Finkelstein, C. P. Neukermans, L. Lewis, L. Eldred, D. Ciccarone, B. S. Hanna, E. Ritchie, L. R. Hirschhorn, S. Mannheimer, R. D. Moore, N. Van Devanter, R. Alavarez, J. Dougherty, B. Agins, G. S. Bowen, L. M. Mundy, T. Wilson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the direct cost of HIV adherence support programmes participating in a cross-site evaluation in the US. Data on the frequency, type, and setting of adherence encounters; providers' professions; and adherence tools provided were collected for 1,122 patients enrolled in 13 interventions at 9 sites. The site staff estimated the average duration of each type of encounter and national wage rates were used for labour costs. The median (range) adherence encounters/year among interventions was 16.5 (4.3-104.6) per patient; encounters lasted 24.6 (8.9-40.9) minutes. Intervention direct cost was correlated with the average frequency of encounters (r = 0.57), but not with encounter duration or providers' professions. The median direct cost/month was $35 ($5-$58) per patient, and included direct provider costs (66%); incentives (17%); reminders and other tools (8%); and direct administrative time, provider transportation, training, and home delivery (9%). The median direct cost/month from a societal perspective, which includes patient time and travel costs, was $47 ($24-$114) per patient. Adherence interventions with moderate efficacy costing ≤$100/month have been estimated to meet a cost-effectiveness threshold that is generally accepted in the US. Payers should consider enhanced reimbursement for adherence support services.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)927-937
Number of pages11
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume17
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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