Patient and caregiver productivity loss and indirect costs associated with cardiovascular events in Europe

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate patient and caregiver productivity loss and indirect costs following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a stroke in Europe. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven European countries. A validated questionnaire was used during a cardiologist/neurologist visit 3–12 months post event. We included patients who returned to work (≥ 4 weeks prior to recruitment), given specific interest in presenteeism. Patient absenteeism, presenteeism and caregiver loss in the past four weeks were pro-rated to one year and combined with time-off due to initial hospitalisation/sick-leave. Hours lost were valued according to country labour cost (2018 euros). Results: The analysis included 196 ACS (86% myocardial infarction) and 198 stroke (99% ischaemic, 77% modified Rankin Scale 0–1) patients. Mean age in ACS and stroke patients was 53 years, 86% and 78% respectively were men, 28% and 25% had previous cardiovascular event or established cardiovascular disease. Mean (country range) total productivity time loss was 70 (47–91) workdays for ACS and 68 (45–88) workdays for stroke (25% of annual workdays). Particularly, ACS patient lost 59 (37–79) workdays, and caregivers lost 11 (0–16) workdays, with total mean indirect cost per case €13,953 (€6641–23,160). After stroke, 56 (42–70) workdays were lost by patient plus 12 (3–20) days by caregiver, amounting to €13,773 (€10,469–20,215). Patients with previous events or established cardiovascular disease lost 80 (ACS) and 73 (stroke) workdays, costing €16,061 and €14,942 respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lost productive time and indirect costs following ACS/stroke are substantial, with indirect costs comparable to direct costs.