Variation in hospital cost trajectories at the end of life by age, multimorbidity and cancer type.

Background: Approximately thirty thousand people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer annually, of whom a third live less than one year. The timing, nature and value of hospital-based healthcare for patients with advanced cancer are not well understood. The study's aim was to describe the timing and nature of hospital-based healthcare use and associated costs in the last year of life for patients with a cancer diagnosis.

Health economic studies of colorectal cancer and the contribution of administrative data: A systematic review.

Introduction: Several forces are contributing to an increase in the number of people living with and surviving colorectal cancer (CRC). However, due to the lack of available data, little is known about the implications of these forces. In recent years, the use of administrative records to inform research has been increasing.

Creation of the first national linked colorectal cancer dataset in Scotland: prospects for future research and a reflection on lessons learned.

Introduction: Current understanding of cancer patients, their treatment pathways and outcomes relies mainly on information from clinical trials and prospective research studies representing a selected sub-set of the patient population. Whole-population analysis is necessary if we are to assess the true impact of new interventions or policy in a real-world setting. Accurate measurement of geographic variation in healthcare use and outcomes also relies on population-level data.

Healthcare use and costs in the last year of life: a national population data linkage study.

Background: People who are nearing the end of life are high users of healthcare. The cost to providers is high and the value of care is uncertain.

Objectives: To describe the pattern, trajectory and drivers of secondary care use and cost by people in Scotland in their last year of life.