Analysis of the financial impact and efficiency of the One Stop Prostate Clinic: A same day prostate cancer diagnostic clinic in the Australian public health system

Abstract

Background: Access to prostate cancer diagnostic clinics are challenging for rural men in Western Australia due to remoteness and long travel distances. The One Stop Prostate Clinic (OSPC) provided same day assessment and diagnosis for prostate cancer in a public tertiary hospital to reduce access barriers for rural men. The objective of this study was to determine the financial and resource utilisation impact of the OSPC compared to a usual care pathway (UCP). Design and methods: Study design: Cost minimisation analysis of the OSPC model (assuming 100% new referrals) compared with a UCP, including impact on the Patient Assisted Transport Scheme (PATS) for rural men. An estimate of total cost comparison of OSPC and UCP pathways of outpatient and diagnostic costs was calculated based on journey mapping of attendance and follow up. Methods: Prospective data collection between August 2011 and November 2017 of referral, attendance and follow up outcomes. Journey mapping to identify time from referral to diagnosis, number of outpatient appointment (OPA) and travel savings. Results: A total of 1000 men attended – 466 (47%) rural and 534 (53%) metro. Mean time from referral to diagnosis was 57 days (rural) versus 63 (metro; p = 0.034)). The OSPC saved 543 travel episodes (distance of 1.5M km) and 658 OPA’s. Total episode of care costs for the OSPC (100% new) pathway estimated as $2237.34, compared to $2847.00 for a UCP, generating savings of $609.66 per attendance ($609,658.22 overall). Conclusion: The OSPC was more cost effective and efficient in comparison to a UCP.