Financial cost of end-of-life cancer care in palliative care units (PCUs) and non-PCUs in Iran: insights from low- and middle-income countries
Background: End-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer can impose a significant financial burden. However, data on the economic impact of end-of-life care in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Objective: This study aims to compare the costs associated with palliative care units (P...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SAGE Publishing
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Palliative Care and Social Practice |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/26323524241299819 |
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| Summary: | Background: End-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer can impose a significant financial burden. However, data on the economic impact of end-of-life care in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Objective: This study aims to compare the costs associated with palliative care units (PCUs) and non-PCU settings for cancer patients in Iran. Design: We designed a retrospective study at the largest hospital in the country. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of hospitalization costs and care service delivery for 150 patients in the final 5 days of life, who were admitted to the largest hospital complex in Iran. All costs were adjusted based on the 2018 USD exchange rate. Results: Among the 150 patients included in the study, 56 (37%) were admitted to the PCU. The average total treatment cost during the final 5 days of life was three times higher in general wards compared to PCUs. In non-PCU settings, the total cost of care during this period amounted to $2873, while in PCU settings, it was $909.63. Conclusion: The establishment of PCUs within tertiary hospitals and the provision of palliative consultation services to patients with advanced cancer can yield significant benefits, even when resources are limited. |
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| ISSN: | 2632-3524 |