Schizophrenia Caregivers Experience Greater Resource Utilization and Costs Compared to Others

A recent study examined the impact on productivity, resource utilization, and costs in the EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK) for adult schizophrenia caregivers. Researchers analyzed data from the 2010, 2011, and 2013 EU5 National Health and Wellness Survey. Outcome measures included health care resource utilization, work productivity and activity impairment, and associated costs.

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Schizophrenia caregivers reported more activity impairment, provider visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and direct costs when compared to noncaregivers, and employed schizophrenia caregivers reported increased absenteeism, work impairment, and indirect costs. Compared to other caregivers, schizophrenia caregivers experienced more activity impairment and provider visits. At least one emergency room visit and hospitalization were reported by schizophrenia caregivers (vs other caregivers). Employed schizophrenia caregivers sustained greater indirect costs than other caregivers.

Overall, schizophrenia caregivers experienced greater activity impairment, resource utilization, and costs compared to noncaregivers and other caregivers.—Amanda Harvey

Reference: Gupta S, Isherwood G, Jones K, Van Impe K. Productivity Loss, resource utilization, and associated costs in providing care for adults with schizophrenia in the EU5. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2015;7:593-602. Accessed February 15, 2016.