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Endoscopy 2021; 53(02): 156-161
DOI: 10.1055/a-1294-0427
Innovations and brief communications

Cost-effectiveness analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention strategies including pre-endoscopic virus testing and use of high risk personal protective equipment

Alanna Ebigbo‡   *
1   Department of Gastroenterology, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
,
Christoph Römmele‡   *
1   Department of Gastroenterology, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
,
Christina Bartenschlager
2   Chair of Health Care Operations/Health Information Management (UNIKA-T), Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
,
Selin Temizel
3   Department of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
,
Elisabeth Kling
4   Department of Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
,
Jens Brunner
2   Chair of Health Care Operations/Health Information Management (UNIKA-T), Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
,
Helmut Messmann
1   Department of Gastroenterology, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Author commentary on Alanna Ebigbo et al.Endoscopy 2021; 53(02): v10-v10
DOI: 10.1055/a-1302-1686

Abstract

Background Infection prevention strategies to protect healthcare workers in endoscopy units during the post-peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are currently under intense discussion. In this paper, the cost-effectiveness of routine pre-endoscopy testing and high risk personal protective equipment (PPE) is addressed.

Method A model based on theoretical assumptions of 10 000 asymptomatic patients presenting to a high volume center was created. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and absolute costs per endoscopy were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation.

Results ICER values for universal testing decreased with increasing prevalence rates. For higher prevalence rates (≥ 1 %), ICER values were lowest for routine pre-endoscopy testing coupled with use of high risk PPE, while cost per endoscopy was lowest for routine use of high risk PPE without universal testing.

Conclusion In general, routine pre-endoscopy testing combined with high risk PPE becomes more cost-effective with rising prevalence rates of COVID-19.

* Both authors contributed equally


Figs. 1s – 4s, Tables 1s – 4s



Publication History

Received: 08 July 2020

Accepted: 20 October 2020

Accepted Manuscript online:
20 October 2020

Article published online:
27 January 2021

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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