Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences - Volume 3, Issue 1, 2009
D. Wayne Taylor, Director, Health Leadership Institute, McMaster University
Elisabeth Fowler, Vice-President, World Health Advocacy
Urinary incontinence is one of the most prevalent, untreated chronic conditions for individuals living in Canada. The impact of incontinence on an individual’s quality of life is significant as it negatively affects a person’s physical, psychological, sexual, social and overall quality of life (QOL). Due to the stigma associated with this condition, many individuals do not seek treatment for their incontinence, even though 80% of incontinence cases can be managed or cured.
This report investigated possible cost savings to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care if future admissions to long-term care facilities were delayed by 6 months, 1 year, or 4 years, and assuming that 10%, 25% and 40% of those living with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are reached and treated with the minimally invasive mid-urethral sling (TVT). The sensitivity analysis performed found that a modest investment on the part of the Ministry in the treatment of SUI ($3.6-$14.5 million) could reap significant rewards ($29.8 million – $1.1 billion) through delayed admissions to long term care facilities. Calculated as a return on investment (ROI) the net savings produce an ROI ranging from 8:1 up to 74:1.
Treatment and management of SUI as proposed will help thousands of women living with incontinence remain independent, able and productive members of society.
Attachments
Download JofMBS SUICost 2008.pdf (180.9 KB)
