Cost-Effectiveness of C-Reactive Protein Testing for Antibiotic Use in COPD
Study Overview
This study evaluated the use of C-reactive protein point-of-care testing (CRP-POCT) to help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Excessive antibiotic use can lead to waste, antibiotic resistance, and potential harm to patients.
Research Design
Conducted as part of the PACE trial, this research included 649 participants across various UK primary care practices. The study compared standard care with CRP-guided care to see if this testing could effectively reduce antibiotic use.
Key Findings
- Patients receiving CRP-POCT experienced a 20% decrease in antibiotic consumption.
- The cost of each CRP test was £11.31, which was offset by reduced healthcare costs associated with COPD management.
- The cost-effectiveness ratio was £120 for every 1% reduction in antibiotic use over 4 weeks and £1054 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained at 6 months.
- There is a 73% chance that CRP-POCT is cost-effective when considering a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000 per QALY gained.
Conclusion
Using CRP-POCT is a cost-effective way to safely lower antibiotic use in AECOPD patients.
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