Short summary

The study is a cost-effectiveness study with data based on a randomized controlled trial, where the effects of a holistic intervention for HIV infected patients is investigated. The purpose of the intervention was to help the patient gain their own resources and options in life, carrying a chronic disease. The economic evaluation of this intervention is piggybacked onto an RCT, which was conducted in Skejby Hospital, Denmark. The aim of the economic evaluation was to decide whether the intervention affected patients use of health care services and the treatment costs per patient.

Rationale

The HEART Intervention was developed on the basis of HIV patients' current health situation. Patients with HIV are at risk of stress and depression, and in some cases this leads to isolation and disability of taking jobs. The department of infection diseases at Aarhus University hospital, Skejby developed a holistic intervention for HIV infected patients, with the aim of helping the patient find their own resources to overcome the challenges of living with a chronic disease. A randomized controlled trial carried out in 2014-2015 showed that the intervention reduced patients' risk of stress and depression, and that these results are still in effect 12 months past intervention. Therefore it is the aim of the economic evaluation to investigate whether there is an effect on patients' use of health care services and the costs per patient.

Description of the cohort

Patients infected with HIV, aged 18 years or older; the occurrence of two or more missed scheduled quarterly appointments; and the presence of physical problems (e.g. pain, side effects, low adherence), psychological problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, non-disclosure of HIV status, stress, loneliness, divorce) or social problems (e.g. economy, unemployed).

Data and biological material

The study will include data based on a randomized controlled trial, where register data on the patients included in the RCT will figure. Data is gathered from Statistics Denmark, and will include data from the national patient register (LPR), the medicine database (LMDB), full-time employee statistics (BFL) and the national health service register (SSSY).

Collaborating researchers and departments

Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark

• Associate Professor Kristian Kidholm
• HTA Consultant Maja Kjær Rasmussen

• Consultant Lars Østergaard
• Senior Researcher Lotte Rodkjær
• HIV Consultant Tinne Laursen

• Market Access Manager Flemming Axelsen