Results from the B_PROUD study have shown that the dispatch of mobile stroke units (MSUs), compared with conventional ambulances alone, was associated with lower global disability and higher quality of life at 3 months for patients with acute ischemic stroke in Berlin (Germany). However, the economic consequences of MSUs’ dispatch have not yet been analysed in B_PROUD. We aimed to assess the cost-utility, cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the deployment of MSUs in comparison with standard care.
We use data from B_PROUD, a prospective, non-randomized, controlled intervention study with group allocation based on availability of MSUs at time of dispatch. Outcomes considered for the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analysis are quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from the EQ-5D and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Costs prospectively collected during the study by the Berlin Fire Department and by the participating hospitals will be analysed from the societal perspective. An additional statutory-health insurance perspective will consider official reimbursement values for each service.
Data from 1543 patients (MSU group = 749, standard care = 794) will be analysed. Results from this study will be presented at ESOC.
MSU dispatch was associated with better outcomes among acute stroke patients. This health economic evaluation analysing costs and effects of MSU dispatch will provide important information on cost-utility, cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of MSUs when compared with standard care in the Berlin (Germany) setting.
Clinical Trials ID: NCT03027453