COPD: illness severity, resource utilisation and cost.

COPD is a major source mortality and morbidity International evidence suggests the associated financial burden substantial. This research was undertaken to capture the costs associated with COPD in an Irish secondary care setting. 150 COPD patients attending a respiratory clinic were interviewed. Data on healthcare utilisation were collected. Prescription data and clinical severity data were collected from patient notes. The average direct cost of COPD was estimated at 4,730 euros. Secondary care costs accounted for 44% of total costs. Lost productivity averaged 668 euros. The main direct cost driver was in-patient admissions. A positive relationship was found between average direct costs and both clinical and symptom severity. The costs of COPD increased with increasing illness severity driven mainly by secondary care in-patient costs. If illness progression can be slowed and symptom severity can be reduced it may be possible to achieve significant reductions in expenditure and free resources within the healthcare system.