Cost Analysis of Mpox Patients Service Management Activities for Outpatient with Self-Isolation at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute

Abstract

       Most Monkeypox patients have mild to moderate disease severity, so they can receive outpatient care and self-isolation services at their homes. This study aimed to estimate cost of outpatient and self-isolation services for monkeypox patients at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. The retrospective descriptive study was conducted from July 2023 to June 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a bottom-up approach to analyze direct medical costs.
       The results of the study found that there were 45 samples who received outpatient care and self-isolation, all of whom were male, had a mean age of 36.9 years (SD = 9.9, Min-Max = 19-58), and Thai nationality were 82.2%. Most of the patients paid for their treatment themselves for 28.9%. Patients were symptomatic but not at risk for 64.4%, had underlying diseases, including: HIV infection for 33.3%. The most common first-day symptom was a rash with pustules (57.1%) and fever (23.4%). When receiving treatment, follow-up on day 3 most of them (52%) were swollen lymph nodes throughout the body. Follow-up on day 7 found that most of the pustules were starting to dry up and scab over for 91.1%. And follow-up on day 14, up to 95.6% of the pustules were starting to dry up and scab over. Most patients (66.7%) used self-isolation for < 14 days (IQR = 1 day) and all patients recovered from the symptoms of the disease. Estimation of care and treatment, the total cost analysis results were 204,256.50 baht, mostly from material costs 135,693.75 baht (66.43%). The average material cost per person was 3,015.42 baht, mostly 95.33% from diagnosis and treatment materials 2,874.67 baht. And labor costs 68,562.75 baht (33.59 %). The average labor cost per person was 1,523.62 baht, mostly 79.18% from diagnosis and treatment activities 1,206.36 baht.
         This study shows the overall cost of services for outpatient care and self-isolation for monkeypox patients. If smallpox patients have mild symptoms, low risk and severity of the disease, and are ready to take care of themselves, the hospital can provide outpatient services and self-isolation at home, which will help reduce the cost burden for both patients and the government.