Cost-effectiveness of powered mobility devices for elderly people with disability

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the cost-effectiveness of prescribing powered mobility devices (PMDs) to elderly users. Methods: Forty-five persons participated in the pre- and post-intervention study with a follow-up at four months. All participants were prescribed a scooter model and were offered individual support to get started using the PMD. In the analysis, the use of the PMD was compared to the situation prior to its use. The cost-utility analysis takes a societal perspective and considers costs, savings and quality of life (QoL) using answers to the EQ-5D questionnaire. Results: Costs for the first year with the PMD were 1395 USD and then 592 USD per subsequent year. There was a significant decrease in transportation costs and in relatives' time use, but the increase in QoL of 0.041 was not significant. Costs per gained quality adjusted life year (QALY) were 12 400–14 700 USD/QALY if the value of time saved not was considered and 600–2900 USD/QALY when an hour was valued at 3.6 USD. Conclusion: Prescription of PMDs to elderly users might be cost-effective. However, there are shortcomings in measuring QALY gains from the use of a PMD, and it is unclear how time savings among relatives should be valued.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Prescription of powered mobility devices for the elderly with disability seems to be cost effective and should be a standard intervention.

• In economic evaluations of powered mobility devices and other assistive devices, the commonly used analyses methods are not always appropriate and therefore need to be adjusted.

• Assistive devices
• cost-utility analysis
• QALY

Declaration of interest

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This study was funded by the Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology and the Promobilia Foundation, Sweden.