Cost savings with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in low-transmission areas: evidence from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria may help rationalize antimalarial drug use. However, the economic effects of these tests may vary. Data on costs were collected from 259 patients in 6 health facilities by using exit and in-charge interviews and record reviews during a trial of RDT rollout in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The RDTs decreased patient expenditure on drugs (savings = U.S. $0.36; P = 0.002) and provider drug costs (savings = U.S. $0.43; P = 0.034) compared with control facilities. However, RDT introduction did not significantly reduce patients' overall expenditures (U.S. $1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = $0.76-$1.36 versus U.S. $1.33 95% CI = $0.99-$1.77) and may increase total provider costs (U.S. $3.63, 95% CI = $3.40-$3.89 versus U.S. $2.32, 95% CI = $1.99-$2.69) compared with control facilities. Clinician's compliance with test results was higher with RDTs than with routine microscopy (95% versus 82%; P = 0.002). The RDTs reduced drug costs in this setting but did not offset the cost of the tests, although they also resulted in non-monetary benefits, including improved management of patients and increased compliance with test results.
Yukich
Joshua
J
Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2200-TB46, New Orleans, LA 70112-2715, USA. jyukich@tulane.edu
D'Acremont
Valerie
V
Kahama
Judith
J
Swai
Ndeniria
N
Lengeler
Christian
C
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology*; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000191:economics*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000191:economics; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D000962:Antimalarials; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic