The economics of back pain: alternative approaches to productivity cost estimation in economic evaluation of healthcare

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Kigozi, Jesse B.L. (2014). The economics of back pain: alternative approaches to productivity cost estimation in economic evaluation of healthcare. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The thesis investigates approaches to estimating productivity costs in economic evaluation, focusing on application of the friction cost approach (FCA) using low-back pain as a case study. Individual studies of validating a Single-Item Presenteeism Question (SIPQ), estimation of the friction period by occupation in the United Kingdom (UK), and comparison of sickness certification records with self-reported data are reported. Further, the thesis explores the impact of the approaches on cost-effectiveness estimates using the FCA.

Results suggest SIPQ is a valid and responsive measure, and that self-reported data provides more complete data than sickness certification records. Stratified friction periods estimates were used in the FCA approach to generate absenteeism costs. This is the first time the FCA is used in a cost-effectiveness study to report productivity costs, presenteeism, compensation mechanisms and multiplier effects in UK. In this case study, consideration of full productivity costs and applying detailed friction periods did not alter interpretation of the cost-effectiveness estimates.

Further testing of these approaches in the UK is required, considering growing evidence and merit for accurate estimates of productivity costs. Overall, the research contributes to methods for assessing productivity in economic evaluation, and further illustrates the feasibility of using them in the UK.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):