Comparative cost-analysis of two different chronic care facilities for end-stage renal disease patients.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the cost and quality of life associated with the first specialized chronic care facility for disabled dialysis patients.


METHODS
A case controlled study in dialysis patients admitted to a specialized chronic dialysis unit (RCDU).


METHODS
The study compares the cost of care in a specialized chronic care facility with that of a tertiary hospital.


METHODS
All dialysis patients with severe chronic disability, resident in Greater Toronto, who were unable to be discharged into the community and who were admitted to the RCDU in the first year of the program.


METHODS
Chronic care and rehabilitation services in a specialized dialysis unit.


METHODS
Costs are expressed as $Cdn per patient year. Quality of life scores were measured using SIP and SF-36 questionnaires.


RESULTS
The data show a saving of $37,022 Cdn over the 618 day study period with care in the RCDU compared with that of a tertiary hospital. Quality of life measures show no difference in scores.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that this preliminary report confirms a cost benefit of a specialized chronic care dialysis unit.
Jassal
S V
SV
Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Canada. vjassal@liverpool.ac.uk
Brissenden
J E
JE
Raisbeck
A
A
Roscoe
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D011788:Quality of Life