Health and care service utilisation and cost over the life-span: a descriptive analysis of population data

Abstract

Background Current demographic changes affect both the level and composition of health and care needs in the population. The aim of this study was to estimate utilisation and cost for a comprehensive range of health and care services by age and gender to provide an in-depth picture of the life-span pattern of service needs and related costs. Methods Data on service use in 2010 for the entire population in Norway were collected from four high-quality national registers. Cost for different services were calculated combining data on service utilisation from the registries and estimates of unit cost. Data on cost and users were aggregated within four healthcare services and seven long-term care services subtypes. Per capita cost by age and gender was decomposed into user rates and cost per user for each of the eleven services. Results Half of the population is under 40 years of age, but only a quarter of the health and care cost is used on this age group. The age-group of 65 or older, on the other hand, represent only 15% of the population, but is responsible for almost half of the total cost. Healthcare cost dominates in ages under 80 and mental health services dominates in adolescents and young adults. Use of other healthcare services are high in middle aged and elderly but decreases for the oldest old. Use of care services and in particular institutional care increases in old age. Healthcare cost per user follows roughly the same age pattern as user rates, whereas user cost for care services typically are either relatively stable or decrease with age among adults. Gender differences in the age pattern of health and care costs are also revealed and discussed. Conclusion The type of services used, and the related cost, show a clear life-span as well as gender pattern. Hence, population aging and narrowing gender-gap in longivety calls for high policy awarness on changing health and care needs. Our study also underscores the need for an attentive and pro-active stance towards the high service prevalence and high cost of mental health care in our upcoming generations.

The Impact of Frailty on Spine Surgery: Systematic Review on 10 years Clinical Studies

“…These demographic and epidemiologic transitions have a deep impact on health care provision and economic burden. A recent study from Norway highlights that patients over 65 years represent only 15% of the population, but are responsible for almost half of the total healthcare cost [ 11 ]. Moreover, in a prospective cohort study from US, pre-frailty and frailty are associated with higher subsequent total healthcare costs in older community-dwelling men [ 12 ].…”

Impact of Dementia on Patterns of Home Care After Inpatient Rehabilitation Discharge for Older Adults After Hip Fractures

“…[5][6][7][8] Differences in healthcare and social services use have been identified among men and women. Previous research demonstrates that men use home care at a lower rate than women, 9,10,11,13 (a trend also seen in older men with dementia), 12 and yet women are less likely to receive referrals to home and community supports from healthcare professionals. 14 In addition, men and women utilizing homecare services have different levels of need.…”

Addressing Ageism—Be Active in Aging: Study Protocol

“…It is common to find ageism in many sectors of society, including those providing health and social care. Considering healthcare systems, older adults represent a significant group of users, and their care has a crucial impact on the overall financial costs [ 20 ]. However, these systems are designed considering the care needs of a younger population, aiming to achieve a quick turnover and not prioritizing the complexity of older adults’ health and social concerns.…”