Introdução - A Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar determinou, em 2008, que os planos de saúde oferecessem seis consultas anuais com nutricionista. Objetivo - Avaliar os determinantes da demanda por consultas de nutrição em uma operadora de autogestão em saúde entre 2009 e 2011. Métodos - Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo realizado a partir dos registros administrativos dos beneficiários da Sabesp Previdência. A demanda foi estimada por meio de um modelo tobit para os gastos com consultas de nutricionista. Foram incluídas variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, de estado de saúde e de influência familiar. Resultados - A influência familiar, o sexo, o estado civil, a escolaridade e o estado de saúde no período e passado foram os principais determinantes do gasto com consultas de nutrição. A elasticidade renda da demanda, embora estatisticamente significante (p<0,1), foi pequena em relação ao efeito das demais variáveis e a idade não teve impacto significativo. A baixa probabilidade estimada de realizar gastos mostrou que ele é subutilizado. Conclusão - Os resultados evidenciaram a necessidade de estímulo à utilização, numa perspectiva de prevenção de doenças, promoção da saúde e redução dos custos assistenciais no setor de saúde suplementar. / Introduction - The Brazilian private health sector regulatory agency determined, back in 2008, that the insurance plans should offer six nutrition consultations. Objective - To assess the nutrition consultations demand determinants in health insurance plan between 2009 and 2011. Methods - This is retrospective study performed using data from Sabesp Previdência. We used Tobit model to analyze the expenditure on nutritional consultations and tested demographic, socioeconomic, health status and family influence variables. Results - Family influence, sex, marital status, education and health status were the expenditure main. Income elastic of demand, although statistically significant, wasn\'t expressive when compared to other variables effects. Age had no significant impact on individual nutrition consultation expenditure. The low probability of having expends with nutrition consultations showed it is an underutilized service. Conclusion- The results highlighted the need to stimulate the demand for nutrition consultations, in concordance with a disease prevention, health promotion and healthcare care reduction perspective in private health care sector.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The cost of medical care, in particular the cost of cancer care, has seen significant increases globally in the last few years. These cost increases in part are a result of tremendous advancements in new health technologies to diagnose, treat and care for cancer sufferers. The development of these highly specialised treatment modalities is not expected to slow down in the next few years, as potentially new treatments are already in the pipeline. On the other hand, cancer is becoming more prevalent. affecting more people worldwide. The condition remains life threatening, causing patients to become dependent and desperately hopeful of their requested treatments. Managed care, which includes the processes of rationing, has been implemented by medical aid schemes in the private health care industry in an effort to curtail the escalating costs of health care. Currently medical aids in the country are under immense pressure to comply with financially demanding legislation as well as to increase their membership risk by keeping contributions low and subsequently improve access to private health care in the country. Notwithstanding the fact that rationing might be justified from an economic perspective, the implications of transposing free market principles into an almost sacred health care environment challenges current morals and ethics in this arena. The price consciousness in cancer care is almost creating a scenario where clinical reasons are becoming subservient to fiscal reasons or, put differently, it is placing a price tag on human lives. In its true glory, the rationale of rationing is to challenge the individual patient needs against that of the bigger medical aid society. The distributive justice principles of rationing are creating immense conflict between the virtue-based, principle-based and contemporary ethics, which are currently governing medical practice in the country. As a result rationing creates serious vexing funding decisions with long-ranging effects. Its against this background that the study further consider the implications of managed care and rationing as it creates serious questions about the fairness, decision-making power and authority of managed care organizations. The implication of this is that the treating physician seems to have lost all autonomy and control in trying to treat and care for his cancer patient. Hence the perception that managed care does not act in the best interest of the vulnerable and desperate cancer suffering patient. As a result of th is view of managed care it becomes important to ensure the fairness and or legitimacy of managed care and rationing decisions. Therefore, the final section of the study considers the fair and just rationing of medical care as well as setting limits that are morally and ethically acceptable, in a cancer related setting. The studies of Daniels and Sabin are utilized extensively in particular the suggested criteria required by managed care organisations to ensure their rationing decisions are fair and legitimate. The implications of this and the assurances to cancer sufferers in a medical scheme is that the decisions to fund new health technologies are based on a process that is transparent and collaborative and that cost consideration of treatment has merit if it is made within the confines of this process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die koste van mediese sorg, en spesifiek die koste van kankersorg, het in die afgelope paar jaar wereldwyd aansienlik toegeneem. Hierdie toename in koste is gedeeltelik die resultaat van geweldige vooruitgang in nuwe gesondheidstegnologiee om kankerlyers te diagnoseer, te behandel en vir hulle te sorgo Daar word nie verwag dat die ontwikkeling van hierdie hoogs gespesialiseerde behandelingsmodaliteite oor die volgende paar jaar sal afneem nie, aangesien nuwe behandelings steeds geregistreer word. Aan die ander kant is die voorkomssyfer van kanker besig om toe te neem, en be"invloed dit mense oor die hele wereld. Die toestand is steeds lewensbedreigend, en veroorsaak dat pasiente afhanklik van en desperaat vol hoop is vir die nodige behandeling. Bestuurde sorg, wat die proses van rantsoenering insluit, is deur mediesefondsskemas in die privaat gesondheidsorgbedryf ge"lmplementeer in 'n poging om die stygende koste van mediese sorg te verminder. Mediese fondse in die land is tans onder geweldige druk om aan finansieel veeleisende wetgewing te voldoen en om hulle lidmaatskaprisiko te verhoog deur bydraes laag te hou en gevolglik toegang tot privaat gesondheidsorg in die land te verbeter. Ondanks die feit dat rantsoenering moontlik vanuit 'n ekonomiese perspektief geregverdig kan word, daag die implikasies van die omsetting van vryemarkbeginsels in 'n amper heilige gesondheidsorgomgewing huidige morele waardes en etiek in hierdie veld uit. Die prysbewustheid in kankersorg skep amper 'n scenario waar kliniese redes ondergeskik aan fiskale redes gestel word of, om dit anders te stel, dit plaas 'n prys op mense se lewens. In sy volle glorie is die rasionaal van rantsoenering om die individuele pasient se behoeftes teenoor die van die groter mediesefondssamelewing te stel. Die beginsels van verdelende regverdigheid van rantsoenering skep enorme konflik tussen die deug..gebaseerde, beginselgebaseerde en kontemporere etiek wat tans die mediese praktyk in die land beheer. Gevolglik skep rantsoenering ernstige, moeilike befondsingsbesluite met effekte oor die lang termyn. Oit is teen hierdie agtergrond dat die studie die verdere implikasies van bestuurde sorg en rantsoenering moet oorweeg, aangesien dit ernstige vrae rondom die billikheid , besluitneming en outoriteit van bestuurde sorg maatskappye lig. By implikasie beteken dit dat die geneesheer wat die pasient behandel, feitlik aile beheer verloor het om die pasient vir aile praktiese doeleindes optimaal te behandel. Oaarom die persepsie dat bestuurde sorg nie in die beste belang van die kwesbare en desperaat kanker pasiente is nie. As gevolg van die persepsie van bestuurde sorg, raak dit meer belangrik om die bilikheid en regverdigheid van gesondheid sorg besluite te verseker. Met dit in ag genome, oorweeg die finale deel van die studie die bilikheid en regverdigheid van mediese rantsoenering so-ook die set van perke wat eties en moreel aanvaarbaar is, in 'n kanker verwante agtergrond. Die werke van Daniels en Sabin word in aansienlike detail hersien in besonder hul voorgestelde kriteria wat vereis word deur bestuurde sorg organisasies om te verseker hul besluite ten opsigte van rantsoenering is redelik en regverdig. Die implikasies hiervan en die versekering tot kanker Iyers in 'n mediese skema is dat die besluite om nuwe gesondheidstegnologiee te befonds, is gebasseer op In deursigtige en samehorende proses en dat aile koste oorwegings vir behandeling meriete het, indien dit is gemaak is binne die raamwerk van hierdie proses.

This thesis deals with the basic moments in the U.S. health care reform. The theoretical part is based on the concept of health as human capital, as a factor of labor productivity. The rate of depreciation of health capital is closely associated with age and grows throughout the life cycle. In the U.S. is currently more than 46 million people uninsured and their access to health care is very limited. U.S. health care system is a highly cost, total expenditure exceeded 16 percent of GDP. Based on various calculations, the thesis describes assumed purposes of reform in terms of health coverage of population, share of private and public spending, additional insurance, etc. The thesis also deals with a reduction in price elasticity of demand for health care in context of increasing the number of insured persons. Theoretically justifies a possibility of moral hazard at participating elementary subjects.

A dissertação trata do acesso aos serviços de alta complexidade, particularmente os exames diagnósticos e complementares, estudado entre usuários de planos de saúde privados que buscam atendimento e diagnóstico especializado. Desde a década de 80 o usuário do sistema público de saúde vem procurando a saúde suplementar. Contudo, afirmar que o acesso é garantido no domínio privado, através da contratação dos planos de saúde, é uma incerteza que rodeia a inspiração para esta pesquisa, que se justifica pela relevância de ações que possibilitem a melhora da qualidade regulatória dos planos de saúde, a partir do controle social de seus usuários. O objetivo geral é analisar as percepções do acesso aos exames de alta complexidade nos serviços de saúde privados entre usuários de planos de saúde. Os objetivos específicos são descrever as percepções dos usuários de planos de saúde acerca do acesso aos exames de alta complexidade; analisar as motivações dos usuários de planos de saúde privados para a realização de exames de alta complexidade através da rede privada de assistência; e analisar o nível de satisfação dos usuários de planos de saúde quanto ao acesso aos exames de alta complexidade. A metodologia é qualitativa-descritiva, onde a amostra foi de trinta usuários de planos de saúde, acima de 18 anos, selecionados no campo de estudo no ano de 2010. O cenário de estudo foi um laboratório privado de medicina diagnóstica no Rio de Janeiro. As técnicas de coleta de dados utilizadas foram formulário e entrevista individual estruturada. A análise do formulário foi realizada através de estatística descritiva, e as entrevistas através da análise de conteúdo temática-categorial. Os usuários de plano de saúde declararam que o acesso é garantido com facilidade para os exames de alta complexidade. Suas principais motivações para a realização desses exames na rede privada de assistência foram caracterizadas pela rapidez de atendimento, flexibilidade e facilidade de marcação pela internet, telefone ou pessoalmente no laboratório estudado, pronta entrega dos resultados, dificuldade e morosidade do atendimento do SUS, localização do prestador credenciado próxima de bairros residenciais ou do trabalho, resolutividade diagnóstica de imagem de excelência, possibilidade de escolha pelo usuário entre as modalidades aberta e fechada de ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada, além da densitometria óssea que foram facilmente acessíveis a todos os sujeitos da pesquisa. O nível de satisfação foi correspondido com a rapidez na realização dos exames em caráter eletivo e de urgência quase equiparados na escala de tempo de acordo com os usuários. Contudo, embora as notas de avaliação dos usuários quanto aos seus planos de saúde tenham sido altas, foram abordadas algumas dificuldades, tais como: prazos de validade dos pedidos médicos com datação prévia; solicitações de senhas de autorização pela operadora; burocracia nos procedimentos de agendamento; dificuldades de acesso para tratamentos como implantes, fisioterapia, RPG, pilates, home care, consultas de check up; negação de reembolsos; restrição de materiais cirúrgicos, em especial as próteses e órteses; e restrições específicas de grau para cirurgias de miopia. Conclui-se que o atendimento rápido dos exames de imagem de alto custo na amostra foi descrito como satisfatório, embora a percepção de rapidez possa variar em função do tipo de produto do plano de saúde privado contratado, com necessidade de melhoria regulatória em alguns aspectos pontuais da saúde suplementar. / This dissertation deals with access to services of high complexity, particularly diagnostic and complementary exams between users of private health system that seek specialized treatment and diagnosis care. Since the 80's people has being looking for additional health system. However, say that access is guaranteed in the private system, is an uncertainty that leads the inspiration for this research, which is justified by the importance of actions that enable the improvement of regulatory quality of health plans from social control of its users. The overall objective is to analyze the perceptions to access high complexity exams in the health system between users of private health plans. The specific objectives are to describe the perceptions of users of health plans to access high complexity exams; analyze motivations from users of private health plans for the exams of high complexity through the private network; and analyze the level of users satisfaction with health plans regarding access to tests of high complexity. The methodology is qualitative-descriptive, and the sample was thirty users of private health care system greater than 18 years, selected in 2010. The research scenario was a private laboratory of medical diagnostic in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection techniques used were individual interviews and structured form. The analysis was performed by the form of descriptive statistics, and interviews through the analysis of thematic content-category. Users of health plan stated that the access is guaranteed with facility for tests of high complexity. Their main motivations for doing exams in private health care services were characterized by quick responsiveness, flexibility and ease of marking their exams by internet, telephone or personally in the laboratory, prompt delivery of results, difficulty and length of service in SUS, location of laboratory near home or work, excellence resolution in diagnostic image, user choice between open and closed methods of magnetic resonance and computed tomography, and bone densitometry were easily accessible to all research subjects. Satisfaction level was reached by quickly resolution of the exams, and performing elective and emergency procedures in almost similar time scale, according to users. However, although evaluation from users with their health plans have been high, some difficulties were pointed such as validity periods for realization of exams; according to the date on the medical application; password requests for authorization by the operator; bureaucracy in procedures for scheduling exams; and poor access to treatments such as implants; physiotherapy; RPG; pilates; homecare; check ups; denied refunds; restricted surgical materials; in particular prosthetics and orthotics; and specifics degree limitation for myopia surgery. We conclude that the quickly response of high complexity exams were described as satisfactory, although the perception of speed may vary depending on the type of private health plans contracted, with the need for regulatory improvement in specific points in privete health system.

Submitted by Fabiana Gonçalves Pinto (benf@ndc.uff.br) on 2017-07-13T20:04:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Socrates Miranda de Oliveira Xavier Schwartz.pdf: 2393385 bytes, checksum: ef4be0240a2e0a50a35d7b88e2366103 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-13T20:04:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Socrates Miranda de Oliveira Xavier Schwartz.pdf: 2393385 bytes, checksum: ef4be0240a2e0a50a35d7b88e2366103 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / Mestrado Acadêmico em Ciências do Cuidado em Saúde / Introdução: A identificação acurada do diagnóstico de enfermagem Recuperação cirúrgica retardada (código 00100) pode auxiliar no planejamento do cuidado, proporcionando a segurança cirúrgica para prevenção de danos ao paciente. Objetivo: Avaliar o diagnóstico de enfermagem recuperação cirúrgica retardada em pacientes cirúrgicos da rede suplementar de saúde. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectiva com uma amostra aleatória simples de 144 participantes. Com esse tamanho amostral pode-se afirmar que as proporções identificadas consideram-se ao nível de confiança de 95% e a erros percentuais máximos de 8,37%. Foram critérios de inclusão: idade igual ou superior a 18 anos; estar no segundo dia de pós-operatório, ou seja, pós-operatório mediato de cirurgias urológicas ou cirurgia geral; que puderam ser acompanhados até o momento da alta hospitalar e que apresentaram disponibilidade para atender uma ligação telefônica após um mês da alta hospitalar. Critérios de exclusão: pacientes em reinternação para revisão cirúrgica de procedimento realizado nos últimos 60 dias. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de março a setembro de 2016 por meio do instrumento de produção de dados, cujas variáveis foram as características definidoras e os fatores relacionados do diagnóstico de enfermagem recuperação cirúrgica retardada. Os dados sociodemográficos e clínicos provenientes da análise documental de consulta ao prontuário também foram coletados e decodificados através de instrumento de avaliação. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se o programa SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science), versão 22.0, e o programa Microsoft Excel 2007. Resultados: A incidência de Recuperação cirúrgica retardada foi estimada em 6,9%. O tempo de internação total (0,026) e o tempo de internação pós-operatório (0,001) foram distintos nos dois grupos. A ocorrência do diagnóstico não esteve relacionada à idade (0,505), nem ao sexo do paciente (0,745); ou ao tipo de cirurgia, se geral ou urológica (0,309). Apendicectomia foi a cirurgia mais incidente estimada em 5,3%, juntamente com a Remoção de Cálculo Renal, estimada em 7,1%. As características definidoras do Diagnóstico que estiveram significativamente associadas foram: Mobilidade Prejudicada (0,033); Perda de apetite (p 0,011); Precisa de ajuda para o autocuidado (0,038) e Desconforto (0,014). Ao considerar que as melhores características definidoras são aquelas que maximizam simultaneamente tanto a Se (sensibilidade) quanto a Es (especificidade) e Ac (acurácia), teve-se: Perda de Apetite (Se=70; Es=71,6; Ac=71,5); Precisa de Ajuda para o Autocuidado (Se=70%; Es=657%; Ac=66%); Desconforto (Se=80,0%; Es=64,2%; Ac=65,3%) e Mobilidade Prejudicada (Se=80,0%; Es=55,2%; Ac=56,9%). Conclusão: A taxa de incidência de recuperação cirúrgica retardada é maior na rede pública de saúde quando comparada à rede suplementar. A identificação do diagnóstico possibilita instituir medidas protetoras que previnem prolongamento no tempo da recuperação cirúrgica e promover adoção de políticas para segurança do paciente cirúrgico / Introduction: The accurate identification of the nursing diagnosis delayed surgical recovery (code 00100) can aid in the care plan, providing surgical safety to prevent harm to patients. Objective: To evaluate the nursing diagnosis delayed surgical recovery in surgical patients in a private healthcare system. Method: This is a prospective cohort study with a simple random sample of 144 participants. With this sample size, it can be stated that the proportions identified are considered at the 95% confidence level and at maximum posible percentage errors of 8.37%. The inclusion criteria were: Age equal to or greater than 18 years; Being on the second postoperative day, ie, after 24 hours of urological or general surgeries; Those who could be followed up until the moment of hospital discharge and who were available to answer a telephone call after one month of hospital discharge. Exclusion criteria: patients in readmission for surgical revision of procedures performed in the last 60 days. Data collection was carried out from March to September 2016 through an instrument of data production, whose variables were the defining characteristics and related factors of the nursing diagnosis delayed surgical recovery. Sociodemographic and clinical data obtained from the documentary analysis of the medical records were also collected and decoded through an assessment instrument. Statistical Package for the Social Science, version 22.0, and the program Microsoft Excel 2007 were used to analyze the data. Results: The incidence of delayed surgical recovery was estimated at 6.9%. The total hospitalization time (0.026) and the time of postoperative hospitalization (0.001) were distinct in both groups. The occurrence of the diagnosis was not related to age (0.505) nor to the sex of the patient (0.745); Or to the type of surgery, whether general or urological (0,309). Appendectomy was the most incident surgery estimated at 5.3%, together with Renal Calculus Removal, estimated at 7.1%. The defining characteristics of the Diagnosis significantly associated were: Impaired Mobility (0.033); Loss of appetite (p 0.011); Requires assistance for self-care (0.038) and Discomfort (0.014). When considering that the best defining characteristics are those that maximize both Se (sensitivity) and Sp (specificity) and Ac (accuracy), we have: Loss of Appetite (Se=70%, Sp=71.6, Ac=71.5); Requires assistance for self-care (Se=70%, Sp=65,7%, Ac=66%); Discomfort (Se=80.0%, Sp=64.2%, Ac=65.3%) and Impaired Mobility (Se=80.0%, Sp=55.2%, Ac=56.9%). Conclusion: The incidence rate of delayed surgical recovery is higher in the public health system when compared to the private system. The diagnosis identification makes possible to institute protective actions that prevent extension of the days for surgical recovery, and promote adoption of policies for safety of the surgical patient

<p>The development and provision of equitable and acceptable standard of health services to all segments of the population has been the major objective of the 1993 Ethiopian National health policy. However, community based studies on satisfaction with public health care facilities reveal that the majority of the population are not satisfied with the services provided predominantly as a result of the long waiting times. Studies done on private health facilities on the contrary reveal that patients are satisfied with the service delivered within short waiting times in these clinics. Even though the speculated waiting time is thought to be long among the public health care facilities and short in private clinics, the actual waiting and service times have not been measured and compared. Aim: To determine the waiting and service times among the public and private health care facilities and measure the perceptions of &ldquo / acceptable&rdquo / waiting time among the providers and clients. Materials and methods: A cross sectional observational study using quantitative techniques was carried out amongst patients and staff at selected public and private health care facilities in Gondar District. Stratified sampling method was used to select facilities. All patients visiting the selected facilities and all staff who provided service to patients on the day of the study were included in the time-delimited sample. Data was collected by research assistants and health workers from all patients attending the health care facility by registering the arrival and departure time of each patient to the facility and to each service point on a patient flow card. Then data was cleaned and captured by a specific Waiting and Service Time database. Descriptive statistics was done on waiting and service times for each facility and this was summarized for each public and private health facility by using tables and graphs. Finally a comparison was made for private and public health facilities by using Wilcoxon-mann-whitney non parametric tests.</p>

<p>The development and provision of equitable and acceptable standard of health services to all segments of the population has been the major objective of the 1993 Ethiopian National health policy. However, community based studies on satisfaction with public health care facilities reveal that the majority of the population are not satisfied with the services provided predominantly as a result of the long waiting times. Studies done on private health facilities on the contrary reveal that patients are satisfied with the service delivered within short waiting times in these clinics. Even though the speculated waiting time is thought to be long among the public health care facilities and short in private clinics, the actual waiting and service times have not been measured and compared. Aim: To determine the waiting and service times among the public and private health care facilities and measure the perceptions of &ldquo / acceptable&rdquo / waiting time among the providers and clients. Materials and methods: A cross sectional observational study using quantitative techniques was carried out amongst patients and staff at selected public and private health care facilities in Gondar District. Stratified sampling method was used to select facilities. All patients visiting the selected facilities and all staff who provided service to patients on the day of the study were included in the time-delimited sample. Data was collected by research assistants and health workers from all patients attending the health care facility by registering the arrival and departure time of each patient to the facility and to each service point on a patient flow card. Then data was cleaned and captured by a specific Waiting and Service Time database. Descriptive statistics was done on waiting and service times for each facility and this was summarized for each public and private health facility by using tables and graphs. Finally a comparison was made for private and public health facilities by using Wilcoxon-mann-whitney non parametric tests.</p>

South African prescribers have a large choice of combination analgesic preparations available for prescribing. According to Desmeules et al. (2003:8) the advantages of combining analgesics include increasing the duration of analgesia, widening the spectrum of efficacy, improved patient compliance and reduced parenteral abuse potential. According to McMahon (1975:13) one of the principle arguments against fixed-dose combinations is that the physician surrenders flexibility in managing his patient. Combination analgesics may expose patients to ingredients not necessary for pain relief in their particular condition (Beaver, 1984). Rigas (1997:454) explains that the value of pharmaco-economics in providing cost-effective pharmacologic treatment for pain must not only be seen as a containment effort, but rather as a valuation effort. Meaningful economic analyses based on empiric information about cost and a range of subjective and objective outcomes are needed to minimise cost without compromising care. The objective of this study was to review and interpret the prescribing patterns of combination analgesics and the cost associated with their usage for the period 2001-2006 in a section of the private healthcare sector in South Africa. This research can be classified as a quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review study. Data were obtained from a medicine claims database, and the study population consisted of all combination analgesic prescriptions (Mims® category 3.3) for the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 and 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. Prescribing Patterns of Combination Analgesics in the Private Health Care Sector. Firstly pain and the treatment thereof with combination analgesics were investigated from the literature to understand the disease and to determine the prevalence and treatment thereof. Secondly, managed health care, drug utilisation review, pharmacoeconomics and pharmaco-epidemiology were investigated from the literature to understand these concepts. The influence of the South African government on the medicine pricing regulations was discussed. Thirdly, through the empirical investigation the utilisation patterns of combination analgesics were reviewed, analysed and interpreted. It was determined that combination analgesic drugs represented 8.87% (n=261 907) of all medicine claimed during 2001 (N=2 951 326), decreased to 7.20% (n=381 809) during 2004 (N=5 305 846) after which it increased to 7.92% (n=187 745) in 2006 (N=2 370 572). Between 2001 (N=R379 708 489.00) and 2006 (N=R279 160 832.00) the cost percentage of the combination analgesic drugs decreased from 4.95% (n=R18 798 202.42) to 3.15% (n=R8 791 228.57). The average cost per combination analgesic drugs decreased from R71.77 ± 61.67 to R46.83 ± 43.41 between 2001 and 2006. This decrease was of no practical significance (d<0.8). The average number of combination analgesics per prescription stayed relatively constant varying between 1.01 ± 0.11 in 2001 and 1.02 ± 0.13 in 2006. The percentage generic combination analgesic drugs claimed increased from 29.63% (n=77 608) in 2001 to 66.37% (n=124 600) in 2006 (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006) even though generic medicine items claimed by the total database only increased from 26.79% (n=790 548) in 2001 to 40.27% (n=954 561) during 2006 (N=2 951 326 for 2001 and N=2 370 572 for 2006). The combination of ibuprofen 200mg, paracetamol 250mg and codeine phosphate 10mg (e.g. Myprodol® capsules, Mybulen® capsules, Gen-payne® capsules and Ibupain Forte® capsules) represented the active ingredient combination with the highest prevalence for the entire study period, increasing from 28.44% (n=74 483) in 2001 to 33.08% (n=62 100) in 2006 of all combination analgesics prescribed (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006). Generic substitution influenced the prevalence of the innovator medicine item, Myprodol® Capsules dramatically, causing a decrease from 23.16% (n=60 631) in 2001 to 3.77% (n=7 084) in 2006 representation of all combination analgesic prescribed. In 2006, the generics of Myprodol® Capsules e.g. Dentopain Forte®, Mybulen® Capsules, Gen-payne® and Ibupain Forte® represented 23.79% (n=44651) of all combination analgesics claimed. Recommendations were derived regarding certain aspects of the clinical and economical management of pain e.g. the implication of generic substitution with regard to cost and prescribing patterns, and the decreasing cost of combination analgesics which might encourage abuse, needs further investigation. South African prescribers have a large choice of combination analgesic preparations available for prescribing. According to Desmeules et al. (2003:8) the advantages of combining analgesics include increasing the duration of analgesia, widening the spectrum of efficacy, improved patient compliance and reduced parenteral abuse potential. According to McMahon (1975:13) one of the principle arguments against fixed-dose combinations is that the physician surrenders flexibility in managing his patient. Combination analgesics may expose patients to ingredients not necessary for pain relief in their particular condition (Beaver, 1984). Rigas (1997:454) explains that the value of pharmaco-economics in providing cost-effective pharmacologic treatment for pain must not only be seen as a containment effort, but rather as a valuation effort. Meaningful economic analyses based on empiric information about cost and a range of subjective and objective outcomes are needed to minimise cost without compromising care. The objective of this study was to review and interpret the prescribing patterns of combination analgesics and the cost associated with their usage for the period 2001-2006 in a section of the private healthcare sector in South Africa. This research can be classified as a quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review study. Data were obtained from a medicine claims database, and the study population consisted of all combination analgesic prescriptions (Mims® category 3.3) for the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 and 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. Prescribing Patterns of Combination Analgesics in the Private Health Care Sector. Firstly pain and the treatment thereof with combination analgesics were investigated from the literature to understand the disease and to determine the prevalence and treatment thereof. Secondly, managed health care, drug utilisation review, pharmacoeconomics and pharmaco-epidemiology were investigated from the literature to understand these concepts. The influence of the South African government on the medicine pricing regulations was discussed. Thirdly, through the empirical investigation the utilisation patterns of combination analgesics were reviewed, analysed and interpreted. It was determined that combination analgesic drugs represented 8.87% (n=261 907) of all medicine claimed during 2001 (N=2 951 326), decreased to 7.20% (n=381 809) during 2004 (N=5 305 846) after which it increased to 7.92% (n=187 745) in 2006 (N=2 370 572). Between 2001 (N=R379 708 489.00) and 2006 (N=R279 160 832.00) the cost percentage of the combination analgesic drugs decreased from 4.95% (n=R18 798 202.42) to 3.15% (n=R8 791 228.57). The average cost per combination analgesic drugs decreased from R71.77 ± 61.67 to R46.83 ± 43.41 between 2001 and 2006. This decrease was of no practical significance (d<0.8). The average number of combination analgesics per prescription stayed relatively constant varying between 1.01 ± 0.11 in 2001 and 1.02 ± 0.13 in 2006. The percentage generic combination analgesic drugs claimed increased from 29.63% (n=77 608) in 2001 to 66.37% (n=124 600) in 2006 (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006) even though generic medicine items claimed by the total database only increased from 26.79% (n=790 548) in 2001 to 40.27% (n=954 561) during 2006 (N=2 951 326 for 2001 and N=2 370 572 for 2006). The combination of ibuprofen 200mg, paracetamol 250mg and codeine phosphate 10mg (e.g. Myprodol® capsules, Mybulen® capsules, Gen-payne® capsules and Ibupain Forte® capsules) represented the active ingredient combination with the highest prevalence for the entire study period, increasing from 28.44% (n=74 483) in 2001 to 33.08% (n=62 100) in 2006 of all combination analgesics prescribed (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006). Generic substitution influenced the prevalence of the innovator medicine item, Myprodol® Capsules dramatically, causing a decrease from 23.16% (n=60 631) in 2001 to 3.77% (n=7 084) in 2006 representation of all combination analgesic prescribed. In 2006, the generics of Myprodol® Capsules e.g. Dentopain Forte®, Mybulen® Capsules, Gen-payne® and Ibupain Forte® represented 23.79% (n=44651) of all combination analgesics claimed. Recommendations were derived regarding certain aspects of the clinical and economical management of pain e.g. the implication of generic substitution with regard to cost and prescribing patterns, and the decreasing cost of combination analgesics which might encourage abuse, needs further investigation. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The general aim of this study was to investigate the prescribing patterns of products that contain methylphenidate or atomoxetine in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. A quantitative, retrospective drug uitilisation review was performed according to data obtained from the database of a South African medicine claims pharmacy benefit management company's for three consecutive study years (Le. 2005 to 2007). The results indicated that a total of 7,990 patients had been prescribed products that contained methylphenidate or atomoxetine in 2005. The total for 2006 was 8,575 and it decreased to a total of 7,828 in 2007. Of all the patients who received the mentioned products, the percentage for females increased from 27.75% (N = 7,990) in 2005 to 29.06% (N =7,828) in 2007. With regard to the same products the percentage for males decreased from 72.03% (N = 7,990) in 2005 to 70.89% (N = 7,828) in 2007. The ratio for the gender-related prescribing patterns of medicine items that contained methylphenidate or atomoxetine in this section of the private health care sector of South Africa was ± 2.55:1 for males to females in comparison with the international male:female ratio of 3:1. According to the medicine claims on the database for 2005 the total number of prescriptions that indicated products containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine was calculated as 8,522, 798 (i.e. N = 8, 522,798) or as a percentage of 0.32% prescriptions. The percentage showed an increase to 0.41 % in 2007 (N = 8,015,538). Of all the medicine items containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine those products that contained atomoxetine represented 4.69% and those that contained methylphenidate represented 95.31%. In 2005 the average cost per prescription that indicated items containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine amounted to R318.29 ± R162.09. In 2007 the amount increased to R358.91 ± R208.10. The percentage of children younger than five years of age, and who had been prescribed products containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine, increased from 0.91 % in 2005 (N = 7,990) to 1.11 % in 2007 (N =7,828). The percentage for children aged 5 to 12 years decreased from 53.62% in 2005 to 49.23% in 2007. For adolescents the percentage increased from 26.32% in 2005 to 27.35% in 2007. The same pattern repeated itself in the case of adults (age 18+ years). Among the top trade name products prescribed were Ritalin LA 20mg®, Ritalin 20mg®, Concerta 36mg®, Ritalin LA 30mg® and Concerta 18mg®. Possible drug-drug interactions were found between products containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine and products containing imipramine, amitriptyline and carbamazepine. Findings indicated that the number of products containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine increased from 2005 to 2007, while also revealing that those products containing methylphenidate remained in the majority. The average costs of products containing methylphenidate or atomoxetine increased from 2005 to 2007. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

South African prescribers have a large choice of combination analgesic preparations available for prescribing. According to Desmeules et al. (2003:8) the advantages of combining analgesics include increasing the duration of analgesia, widening the spectrum of efficacy, improved patient compliance and reduced parenteral abuse potential. According to McMahon (1975:13) one of the principle arguments against fixed-dose combinations is that the physician surrenders flexibility in managing his patient. Combination analgesics may expose patients to ingredients not necessary for pain relief in their particular condition (Beaver, 1984). Rigas (1997:454) explains that the value of pharmaco-economics in providing cost-effective pharmacologic treatment for pain must not only be seen as a containment effort, but rather as a valuation effort. Meaningful economic analyses based on empiric information about cost and a range of subjective and objective outcomes are needed to minimise cost without compromising care. The objective of this study was to review and interpret the prescribing patterns of combination analgesics and the cost associated with their usage for the period 2001-2006 in a section of the private healthcare sector in South Africa. This research can be classified as a quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review study. Data were obtained from a medicine claims database, and the study population consisted of all combination analgesic prescriptions (Mims® category 3.3) for the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 and 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. Prescribing Patterns of Combination Analgesics in the Private Health Care Sector. Firstly pain and the treatment thereof with combination analgesics were investigated from the literature to understand the disease and to determine the prevalence and treatment thereof. Secondly, managed health care, drug utilisation review, pharmacoeconomics and pharmaco-epidemiology were investigated from the literature to understand these concepts. The influence of the South African government on the medicine pricing regulations was discussed. Thirdly, through the empirical investigation the utilisation patterns of combination analgesics were reviewed, analysed and interpreted. It was determined that combination analgesic drugs represented 8.87% (n=261 907) of all medicine claimed during 2001 (N=2 951 326), decreased to 7.20% (n=381 809) during 2004 (N=5 305 846) after which it increased to 7.92% (n=187 745) in 2006 (N=2 370 572). Between 2001 (N=R379 708 489.00) and 2006 (N=R279 160 832.00) the cost percentage of the combination analgesic drugs decreased from 4.95% (n=R18 798 202.42) to 3.15% (n=R8 791 228.57). The average cost per combination analgesic drugs decreased from R71.77 ± 61.67 to R46.83 ± 43.41 between 2001 and 2006. This decrease was of no practical significance (d<0.8). The average number of combination analgesics per prescription stayed relatively constant varying between 1.01 ± 0.11 in 2001 and 1.02 ± 0.13 in 2006. The percentage generic combination analgesic drugs claimed increased from 29.63% (n=77 608) in 2001 to 66.37% (n=124 600) in 2006 (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006) even though generic medicine items claimed by the total database only increased from 26.79% (n=790 548) in 2001 to 40.27% (n=954 561) during 2006 (N=2 951 326 for 2001 and N=2 370 572 for 2006). The combination of ibuprofen 200mg, paracetamol 250mg and codeine phosphate 10mg (e.g. Myprodol® capsules, Mybulen® capsules, Gen-payne® capsules and Ibupain Forte® capsules) represented the active ingredient combination with the highest prevalence for the entire study period, increasing from 28.44% (n=74 483) in 2001 to 33.08% (n=62 100) in 2006 of all combination analgesics prescribed (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006). Generic substitution influenced the prevalence of the innovator medicine item, Myprodol® Capsules dramatically, causing a decrease from 23.16% (n=60 631) in 2001 to 3.77% (n=7 084) in 2006 representation of all combination analgesic prescribed. In 2006, the generics of Myprodol® Capsules e.g. Dentopain Forte®, Mybulen® Capsules, Gen-payne® and Ibupain Forte® represented 23.79% (n=44651) of all combination analgesics claimed. Recommendations were derived regarding certain aspects of the clinical and economical management of pain e.g. the implication of generic substitution with regard to cost and prescribing patterns, and the decreasing cost of combination analgesics which might encourage abuse, needs further investigation. South African prescribers have a large choice of combination analgesic preparations available for prescribing. According to Desmeules et al. (2003:8) the advantages of combining analgesics include increasing the duration of analgesia, widening the spectrum of efficacy, improved patient compliance and reduced parenteral abuse potential. According to McMahon (1975:13) one of the principle arguments against fixed-dose combinations is that the physician surrenders flexibility in managing his patient. Combination analgesics may expose patients to ingredients not necessary for pain relief in their particular condition (Beaver, 1984). Rigas (1997:454) explains that the value of pharmaco-economics in providing cost-effective pharmacologic treatment for pain must not only be seen as a containment effort, but rather as a valuation effort. Meaningful economic analyses based on empiric information about cost and a range of subjective and objective outcomes are needed to minimise cost without compromising care. The objective of this study was to review and interpret the prescribing patterns of combination analgesics and the cost associated with their usage for the period 2001-2006 in a section of the private healthcare sector in South Africa. This research can be classified as a quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review study. Data were obtained from a medicine claims database, and the study population consisted of all combination analgesic prescriptions (Mims® category 3.3) for the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 and 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. Prescribing Patterns of Combination Analgesics in the Private Health Care Sector. Firstly pain and the treatment thereof with combination analgesics were investigated from the literature to understand the disease and to determine the prevalence and treatment thereof. Secondly, managed health care, drug utilisation review, pharmacoeconomics and pharmaco-epidemiology were investigated from the literature to understand these concepts. The influence of the South African government on the medicine pricing regulations was discussed. Thirdly, through the empirical investigation the utilisation patterns of combination analgesics were reviewed, analysed and interpreted. It was determined that combination analgesic drugs represented 8.87% (n=261 907) of all medicine claimed during 2001 (N=2 951 326), decreased to 7.20% (n=381 809) during 2004 (N=5 305 846) after which it increased to 7.92% (n=187 745) in 2006 (N=2 370 572). Between 2001 (N=R379 708 489.00) and 2006 (N=R279 160 832.00) the cost percentage of the combination analgesic drugs decreased from 4.95% (n=R18 798 202.42) to 3.15% (n=R8 791 228.57). The average cost per combination analgesic drugs decreased from R71.77 ± 61.67 to R46.83 ± 43.41 between 2001 and 2006. This decrease was of no practical significance (d<0.8). The average number of combination analgesics per prescription stayed relatively constant varying between 1.01 ± 0.11 in 2001 and 1.02 ± 0.13 in 2006. The percentage generic combination analgesic drugs claimed increased from 29.63% (n=77 608) in 2001 to 66.37% (n=124 600) in 2006 (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006) even though generic medicine items claimed by the total database only increased from 26.79% (n=790 548) in 2001 to 40.27% (n=954 561) during 2006 (N=2 951 326 for 2001 and N=2 370 572 for 2006). The combination of ibuprofen 200mg, paracetamol 250mg and codeine phosphate 10mg (e.g. Myprodol® capsules, Mybulen® capsules, Gen-payne® capsules and Ibupain Forte® capsules) represented the active ingredient combination with the highest prevalence for the entire study period, increasing from 28.44% (n=74 483) in 2001 to 33.08% (n=62 100) in 2006 of all combination analgesics prescribed (N=261 907 for 2001 and N=187 745 for 2006). Generic substitution influenced the prevalence of the innovator medicine item, Myprodol® Capsules dramatically, causing a decrease from 23.16% (n=60 631) in 2001 to 3.77% (n=7 084) in 2006 representation of all combination analgesic prescribed. In 2006, the generics of Myprodol® Capsules e.g. Dentopain Forte®, Mybulen® Capsules, Gen-payne® and Ibupain Forte® represented 23.79% (n=44651) of all combination analgesics claimed. Recommendations were derived regarding certain aspects of the clinical and economical management of pain e.g. the implication of generic substitution with regard to cost and prescribing patterns, and the decreasing cost of combination analgesics which might encourage abuse, needs further investigation. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.