Is it worth screening quarry workers for TB infection in high-incidence areas? A cost-benefit analysis - 22/11/24
, Carlos Carvalho a, Sofia Santos c, Catarina Magalhães Alves a, d, Guilherme Gonçalves e, Álvaro Almeida f, Raquel Duarte b, g, hAbstract |
Background |
Tuberculosis (TB) infection screening of high-risk groups is an important strategy for achieving End TB targets. A TB infection screening program was implemented for quarry workers from a Portuguese high-incidence area in 2018–2022. We aimed to calculate the cost-benefit of the screening program from the societal perspective.
Methods |
We calculated medical and non-medical direct and indirect screening costs and compared them with the cost savings from averted cases of TB disease. We estimated the number of potentially averted TB disease cases based on the risk of progression of TB infection to TB disease found in the literature.
Results |
During the screening program, 997 workers were screened. TB infection was diagnosed in 215 workers, 150 of those initiated preventive treatment. Screening program total costs were €136,295. Twenty-nine TB cases were potentially prevented, what would have costed €152,386. Savings of €16,091 were obtained (€4516, €40898, and -€29322 from the workers, employers, and NHS, respectively).
Conclusions |
The monetary benefit of a TB infection screening program directed to quarry workers in a high-incidence area was greater than its cost. Companies and workers saved substantially more money. TB infection tests that are better predictors of progression to TB disease could reduce NHS costs.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Highlights |
• | A TB infection screening program directed to quarry workers costed €136,295. |
• | Twenty-nine TB cases were potentially prevented, what would have costed €152,386. |
• | Savings of €16,091 were obtained from the workers, employers, and NHS. |
• | Companies and workers saved respectively 48 % and 71 % of costs of inaction. |
• | Better predictors of progression to TB disease could reduce NHS costs. |
Keywords : Cost-benefit, Tuberculosis infection, Screening, Quarry workers
Plan
Vol 234
Article 107807- novembre 2024 Retour au numéro
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