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Cost‐minimization analysis of a tailored oral health intervention designed for immigrant older adults
Author(s) -
Mariño Rodrigo J,
Fajardo Jorge,
Calache Hanny,
Morgan Mike
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12103
Subject(s) - medicine , oral hygiene , health promotion , intervention (counseling) , public health , gerontology , population , oral health , family medicine , dentistry , physical therapy , nursing , environmental health
Aim This paper presents an economic evaluation, from a societal viewpoint, comparing a community‐based oral health promotion program aimed at improving the gingival health of immigrant older adults, with one‐on‐one chairside oral hygiene instructions at a public dental clinic in M elbourne, A ustralia. Methods The costs associated with implementing and operating the oral health promotion program were identified and measured using 2008 prices. The intervention was based on the O ral H ealth I nformation S eminars/ S heets model, and consisted of 10 20‐min oral hygiene group seminars and four 10‐min supervised individual brushing sessions carried out by a non‐oral health professional educator. Health outcomes were measured as a reduction in gingival bleeding. Clinical data showed a 75% reduction in mean gingival bleeding scores among those who took part in the intervention. A population of 100 active, independent‐living older adults living in M elbourne, and members of Italian social clubs, was used for modeling in this analysis. Results This analysis estimated that if an oral hygiene program using the O ral H ealth I nformation S eminars/ S heets model was available to 100 older adults, the net cost from a societal perspective would be AUD $6965.20. In comparison, a standard individual oral hygiene instruction program, at public dental clinics, given equivalent levels of case complexity and assuming the same level of effectiveness, would cost AUD $40 185.00. Per participant cost of a community‐based oral health promotion program was $69.65 versus $401.85 for chairside instruction. Conclusions Findings confirm that community‐based oral health interventions are highly cost‐effective and an efficient use of society's financial resources. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 336–340.