Cost-Utility Analysis Evaluating Vortioxetine Versus Venlafaxine XR and Agomelatine in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Taiwan

Abstract

A841ard practice guidelines, a guided structured key informant interview was done to determine key practices in the treatment of adult schizophrenic patients in the charity and pay in-patient and out-patient settings of the tertiary hospital. Cost of treatment included direct (medication, room and board, professional fees, ancillaries) and indirect costs (productivity losses of both patient and caregiver) and was computed based on 1 to 4 week length of stay for inpatients and varying intervals of follow-up for outpatients. Results: The cost, for charity inpatient care, may range from Php 2332 to 44861 (USD 50.88 to 978.86). For charity outpatient care, this may range from Php 2892 to 213612 USD 63.10 to 4660.96) annually. For pay patients, costs were estimated to range from Php 15347 to 246831 (USD 334.87 to 5385.80) for inpatient care and Php 17292 to Php 1125600 (USD 377.31 to 25681.04) for outpatient care. The factor that influenced costs the most was the choice of medication. As of October 15, 2015, 1 USD = 45.83 Php. ConClusions: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric illness that places a significant financial burden on patients and their caregivers.