Cost-effectiveness of Self-managed Program Versus Usual Physiotherapy Care of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis in Nigeria

Objectives: This study aims to compare, from a patient’s perspective, the cost-effectiveness between a self-managed program and usual physiotherapy care in treating knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The study participants were assigned into two groups: group I received a weekly physiotherapy treatment plus instructions on self-management skills in goal setting, pain management, exercise, healthy eating, and dealing with fatigue (self-managed group); group II had a physiotherapy session three times a week (usual care group). The osteoarthritis cost and consequence and European quality of life-5 dimension (EQ-5D) were used to generate utility scores. The health effects measure of quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was obtained, and an incremental cost-effective ratio was calculated. Cost-effectiveness was determined by plotting a cost-effectiveness plane of incremental cost against QALY obtained. Results: After 8 weeks of intervention, the self-managed group recorded more significant improvements in pain level, function, and health-related quality of life than the usual care group. Clinical consultation costs (Mean±SD NGN [Nigerian naira]=1800±979), physiotherapy treatment costs (Mean±SD NGN=4000±00), and transportation costs (Mean±SD NGN=1,940±1,150) were less for the self-managed group than the usual care group. Imaging (x-ray) and drug costs did not differ significantly between groups. The QALYs gained over the 8-week intervention period was 0.13 for the self-management group compared to 0.11 for the usual care group. Discussion: From the patient’s perspective, a self-managed program was cost-effective and cheaper for healthcare resource use. Physiotherapists may adopt the program to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients with knee osteoarthritis.