Provider Costs of Treating Colorectal Cancer in Government Hospital of Malaysia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Provider Costs of Treating Colorectal Cancer in Government Hospital of Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Meram Azzani, Maznah Dahlui, Wan Zamaniah Wan Ishak, April Camilla Roslani, Tin Tin Su
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Provider Costs of Treating Colorectal Cancer in Government Hospital of Malaysia
Year: 2019 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.1.7
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern, particularly in Asian countries like Malaysia, where its incidence has been rapidly increasing. Despite the growing burden of the disease, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding healthcare provider costs associated with the management of CRC. This study aimed to estimate the costs of CRC treatment from the perspective of healthcare providers at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. By utilizing standard operating procedures (SOPs) according to national guidelines, the study calculated the direct costs incurred in managing CRC patients across various stages (I-IV).
Cost Implications of Early Diagnosis and Management
One of the key findings of the study was that the financial burden of managing CRC significantly increases with the stage of the disease. The costs for managing a CRC patient ranged from RM13,672 (approximately USD4,410) for Stage I to RM27,972 (approximately USD9,023) for Stage IV. The greatest expenses were found in advanced stages (III and IV), which had substantial costs associated with oncology day care treatments. Conversely, early-stage patients not only faced lower overall costs but also conserved more healthcare resources. Statistical analysis revealed that costs in early stages were significantly lower than those in late stages, highlighting the economic advantage of early detection and treatment.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and effective management strategies for CRC to enhance patient outcomes and mitigate healthcare costs. The substantial cost differences between early and late-stage cancer management emphasize the need for the implementation of CRC screening programs in Malaysia. Such initiatives could lead to earlier detection of the disease, ultimately improving prognoses and reducing the economic burden on the healthcare system. The study provides valuable insights that can inform policy decisions and prioritize investments in preventive health measures for colorectal cancer.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary concern regarding colorectal cancer in Malaysia?
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rapidly rising in Malaysia, yet there is limited data on healthcare provider costs for its management in the region, highlighting a significant gap in economic understanding and resources allocated for treatment.
How does colorectal cancer management cost vary by stage?
The costs for managing colorectal cancer increase with the stage of illness. Stage I treatment costs approximately RM13,672, while Stage IV management can reach RM27,972, emphasizing that early detection can lead to significant cost savings.
What methods were employed to estimate CRC management costs?
The study utilized a combination of top-down and activity-based costing methods. Standard operating procedures for CRC were established using national data and guidelines to derive unit costs across various treatment stages, which were then aggregated to find total costs.
What is the implication of early diagnosis for CRC treatment costs?
Early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes, providing strong justification for implementing CRC screening programs, which can shift diagnoses from advanced to early stages.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Provider Costs of Treating Colorectal Cancer in Government Hospital of Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
The word 'Table' is relevant as it pertains to the organized presentation of data in the text, summarizing cost information for various stages of colorectal cancer treatment. Tables help clarify results, allowing for easier comparisons in treatment costs and resource utilization across patient stages, enhancing understanding of healthcare financial implications.
2) Cancer:
The term 'Cancer' refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. It is central to the text, focusing on colorectal cancer (CRC), illustrating its rising incidence, economic burden, and the importance of early detection. Understanding cancer's impact fuels public health initiatives and efficient resource allocation.
3) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy denotes a category of cancer treatment using drugs to kill or inhibit cancer cells. Its relevance in the study lies in analyzing costs associated with various chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer patients, illustrating the impact of treatment choice on financial burden for both patients and healthcare systems.
4) Visit:
The term 'Visit' signifies patients' attendance at healthcare facilities for medical assessment and treatment. The frequency of clinic visits is crucial for cost calculations and can influence a patient’s overall treatment plan and outcome, thereby impacting healthcare utilization patterns and the cost burden on health systems.
5) Labour (Labor):
The word 'Labour' encompasses the workforce involved in patient care, including physicians, nurses, and support staff. It is vital for calculating healthcare costs, as their salaries contribute significantly to overall expenses. Understanding labour costs is essential for managing healthcare financial resources and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery.
6) Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. Its mention in the text underlines its importance in colorectal cancer management and the associated costs, informing healthcare providers about resource allocation and treatment strategy effectiveness in cancer care.
7) Study (Studying):
The word 'Study' is pertinent as it signifies the research effort undertaken to evaluate healthcare costs related to colorectal cancer management. The findings contribute valuable insights into the financial implications of treatment choices, guiding policy decisions aimed at improving cancer care systems and optimizing resource utilization.
8) Rules:
The term 'Rules' refers to the guidelines and procedures followed in healthcare settings, such as standard operating procedures for treatment. These rules are significant as they influence the consistency of patient care, ensure quality, and enable accurate calculation of healthcare costs, contributing to evidence-based practices.
9) Disease:
The word 'Disease' refers to an abnormal condition of a living organism characterized by dysfunction or abnormality in a body part. In the context of the text, it pertains to colorectal cancer, underscoring the focus on healthcare challenges, patient management, cost of illness, and public health implications.
10) Calculation:
Calculation relates to the process of determining the costs associated with the management of colorectal cancer patients. Accurate calculations help health economists and policymakers assess the economic burden of cancer care, guiding efficient resource allocation and strategic planning in healthcare systems, which is essential for future cancer management.
11) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. Its relevance lies in articulating the context of colorectal cancer treatment, highlighting the integration of medical knowledge, treatment protocols, and the economic aspects of care that are paramount in healthcare delivery.
12) Malaya:
The word 'Malaya' signifies the geographical context where the study was conducted, particularly at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. This contextualizes the findings, revealing the healthcare landscape, cultural factors, and economic conditions influencing colorectal cancer management and healthcare strategies in Malaysia.
13) Food:
Food is relevant in the context of patient care in hospitals, particularly concerning nutritional needs during hospitalization. The cost of food includes in the healthcare estimates associated with inpatients, indicating that dietary management is a key component of overall patient care and recovery in colorectal cancer treatment.
14) Activity:
The term 'Activity' refers to the tasks involved in patient care that incur costs. Activity-based costing, as mentioned in the study, helps identify and assess the financial implications of specific healthcare services, making it vital for analyzing resource utilization and enhancing cancer management strategies.
15) Account:
The word 'Account' in this context refers to the records of financial expenditures related to healthcare. It underscores the need for meticulous accounting practices in healthcare settings to ensure transparency in costs, thereby facilitating better planning, funding allocation, and evaluation of healthcare services.
16) Death:
The term 'Death' is critical as it refers to the ultimate outcome of cancer diseases, highlighting the grave consequences of late diagnoses and inadequate treatment. This underscores the importance of effective management strategies and early detection programs aimed at reducing mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer.
17) Hand:
In this context, 'Hand' may metaphorically represent involvement and care in healthcare practices. It symbolizes the need for human interaction and attentiveness in medical treatment, particularly in managing cancer care and ensuring effective patient-provider communication throughout the treatment process.
18) Post:
The word 'Post' can signify the period following an event, such as post-treatment care. This is significant in cancer management where follow-up is crucial for monitoring patient recovery and addressing any complications, ensuring long-term health outcomes, and impacting overall healthcare costs.
19) Male:
The term 'Male' indicates demographic factors pertinent to colorectal cancer, as studies show a higher incidence in males. Understanding gender differences is vital for tailoring public health interventions, screening campaigns, and ensuring equitable healthcare resource allocation in managing colorectal cancer.
20) Rampal:
'Rampal' likely refers to a specific researcher or contributor involved in the study mentioned in the text. Acknowledging individual contributions highlights the collaborative nature of research in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in producing valuable insights for cancer treatment and cost analysis.
21) Kumar:
Similar to 'Rampal', 'Kumar' refers to another researcher associated with the study. Recognition of each author's role underscores the academic input necessary for developing comprehensive research findings, illustrating the collaborative effort essential for advancing knowledge in cancer cost analysis and healthcare optimization.
22) Blood:
The term 'Blood' is relevant as it pertains to tests and treatments associated with cancer management, including blood tests for biomarkers, which are crucial for diagnosis and monitoring. Understanding the role of blood analysis in colorectal cancer informs treatment strategies and influences healthcare costs.
23) Line:
In the context of healthcare, 'Line' might refer to treatment lines or pathways indicating different stages or approaches in care. It is significant in discussing treatment paradigms, emphasizing the necessity of clear clinical pathways for effective cancer management and cost estimation.
24) Discussion:
The word 'Discussion' indicates the part of the study that analyzes and interprets the findings. It plays a critical role in aligning the research results with clinical implications, mentioning significance for healthcare policy, and suggesting avenues for future research and improvements in cancer management strategies.
25) Attending:
The term 'Attending' refers to healthcare professionals, often physicians, involved in patient care. Their role is vital as their expertise influences treatment decisions, patient outcomes, and overall management of colorectal cancer, directly impacting healthcare costs and resource allocation in oncology.
26) Gathering:
The word 'Gathering' relates to the collection of data or resources. In a research context, it is essential for accurate analysis and comprehensive assessments of healthcare costs and patient outcomes, forming the basis for informed decision-making and strategic planning in cancer management.
27) Teaching:
Teaching is an integral part of medical education and continuous professional development. It emphasizes the importance of educating healthcare providers about advances in cancer treatment, enhancing their capacity to deliver effective patient care while also improving cost-effectiveness in healthcare systems.
28) Chauhan:
'Chauhan' refers to another researcher involved in the study. Highlighting contributors is crucial in recognizing the collaborative effort needed in research, showcasing the diverse expertise that drives advancements in understanding healthcare costs and improving cancer treatment strategies within the healthcare system.
29) Citizen:
The term 'Citizen' highlights the role of community health awareness and participation in screening programs. Understanding the public's involvement in healthcare initiatives can inform strategies to increase screening uptake, thereby contributing to early detection and cost-effective management of diseases like colorectal cancer.
30) Indian:
As a reference to a specific ethnic group, 'Indian' pertains to demographics in colorectal cancer studies, particularly within Malaysia. Understanding ethnic variations in cancer incidence and outcomes is essential for personalized public health strategies and culturally appropriate cancer management programs.
31) Drug:
The term 'Drug' refers to medications used in cancer treatment. Understanding their costs and effectiveness is paramount for evaluating the economic burden of cancer treatments and ensuring that patients have access to the most effective therapies available, informing healthcare policy decisions.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Provider Costs of Treating Colorectal Cancer in Government Hospital of Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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