9th International AIDS Conference Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:126 (abstract no. WS-D23-3)
Kongsin S, Rerks-ngarm S, Suebsaeng L, Tangcharoensathien V; Division of AIDS, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the hospital care and external cost of AIDS related complex (ARC) and AIDS patients in Thailand by analysing cost components including 1) routine service cost (RSC) or labour and operating cost, 2) medical care cost (MCC) or cost for laboratory test, procedures and medication, and 3) external cost (EC) or all expense of patients' family to support the admission.

METHODS: RSC (cost/in-patient day) was analysed by reviewing the database of the Division of Provincial Hospital routinely collected from all provincial hospitals during 1988-1991. MCC (cost/admission) was studied by reviewing the medical records of 204 ARC/AIDS patients who were admitted in 26 provincial hospitals during 1988-1992. EC (cost/admission) were surveyed by interviewing relatives of the 66 patients in 16 hospitals on the last day of admission during 1992. Data were adjusted for 1992 price.

RESULTS: It was found that the RSC was SUS 13.65 per in-patient day. Average admission was 12 days. MCC was SUS 169.46 per admission, and the EC was SUS 46.16 per admission.

DISCUSSION: RSC and average MCC represent "Hospital Care Cost" of ARC and AIDS patients in Thailand. Further application of this information with epidemiological data will predict financial impact of the medical care. MCC and EC incurred by patients and their relatives reflect economical burden on the family. This study will serve as an essential data for appropriate resources allocation in prevention and control the HIV epidemic as well as to improve the patients' care.

Copyright © 1993 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.