Language
English
Publication Date
2-1-2025
Journal
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
DOI
10.1016/j.cgh.2024.06.049
PMID
39151644
Abstract
The rising global prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, underscores the need to examine current and future IBD care costs. Direct health care expenses, including ambulatory visits, hospitalizations, and medications, are substantial, averaging $9,000 to $12,000 per person annually in high-income regions. However, these estimates do not fully account for factors such as disease severity, accessibility, and variability in health care infrastructure among regions. Indirect costs, predominantly stemming from loss in productivity due to absenteeism, presenteeism, and other intangible costs, further contribute to the financial burden of IBD. Despite efforts to quantify indirect costs, many aspects remain poorly understood, leading to an underestimation of their actual impact. Challenges to achieving cost sustainability include disparities in access, treatment affordability, and the absence of standardized cost-effective care guidelines. Strategies for making IBD care sustainable include early implementation of biologic therapies, focusing on cost-effectiveness in settings with limited resources, and promoting the uptake of biosimilars to reduce direct costs. Multidisciplinary care teams leveraging technology and patient-reported outcomes also hold promise in reducing both direct and indirect costs associated with IBD. Addressing the increasing financial burden of IBD requires a comprehensive approach that tackles disparities, enhances access to cost-effective therapeutics, and promotes collaborative efforts across health care systems. Embracing innovative strategies can pave the way for personalized, cost-effective care accessible to all individuals with IBD, ensuring better outcomes and sustainability.
Keywords
Humans, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Health Care Costs, Cost of Illness, Cost-Benefit Analysis
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Burisch, Johan; Claytor, Jennifer; Hernandez, Inmaculada; et al., "The Cost of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care: How to Make it Sustainable" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications. 4452.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/4452