title: Economic aspects of hypertension treatment in Poland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the costs associated with mild hypertension (HTN) in Poland and to compare the costs of 3-year ambulatory care for those diagnosed with mild HTN (group A) and those diagnosed with mild HTN and comorbidities (group B).
  
  
  METHODS
  The researchers undertook a retrospective study of a group of 120 patients treated for 3 years (2006-2008) (60%, n = 72 women and 40%, n = 48 men), taking into account the broadest possible social perspective. Medical and non-medical direct costs as well as indirect costs were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total costs of the 3-year pharmacotherapy in group A equalled 49,985.65 EUR, or 833.09 EUR per patient, whereas in group B the costs were twice as high: 105,691.55 EUR in total or 1,761.53 EUR per patient. Indirect costs for group A patients totalled 3,468.80 EUR (578.13 EUR per patient) and 4,579.20 EUR for group B patients (572.40 EUR per patient). Total direct costs (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs for group B patients were much higher, amounting to 130,228.14 EUR and 2,666.55 EUR per patient, which was double the costs in group A, where costs were 74,184.96 EUR and 1,756.73 EUR per patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The costs of HTN treatment in Poland are very high and are growing, like in other countries. Potential solutions include developing better patientdoctor communication to improve compliance, and increasing the chances of more effective and less expensive therapy by prescribing cheaper generic drugs, limiting polypharmacy and improving availability of novel therapeutic methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krzysztoszek
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Koligat
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ratajczak
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Metabolic Disorders and Hypertension, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Wiesław
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bryl
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Metabolic Disorders and Hypertension, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cymerys
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Metabolic Disorders and Hypertension, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of International Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Ewelina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wierzejska
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kleka
keywords: cost analysis; direct costs; hypertension; indirect costs
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