A patient-initiated DMARD self-monitoring service for people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective To determine whether a patient-initiated DMARD self-monitoring service for people on MTX is a cost-effective model of care for patients with RA or PsA. Methods An economic evaluation was undertaken alongside a randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients. Outcome measures were quality of life and ESR assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Costs were calculated for healthcare usage using a United Kingdom National Health Service economic perspective. Sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the impact of nurse-led telephone helplines. Uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness ratios was estimated by bootstrapping and analysing the cost-effectiveness planes. Results Fifty-two patients received the intervention and 48 usual care. The difference in mean cost per case indicated that the intervention was £263 more expensive (P