This report identifies and summarises economic impact reports on health and societal costs of long-term conditions in New Zealand.
The author identified 30 New Zealand-specific publications, articles and reports dating from 1985. However, gaps were identified in the literature with only 11 long-term conditions investigated through cost-of-illness studies, and none accounted for the effect of comorbidities on costs.
Long-term conditions consume a vast amount of resources in New Zealand - both in terms of direct health care and the indirect costs on society as a whole. Most of the studies estimated annual societal costs of more than $100 million per condition or risk factor. Where indirect costs had been calculated, these costs generally contributed between one-third and two-thirds of the total cost.
Purpose
This report identifies and summarises economic impact reports on the health and societal costs of long-term conditions in New Zealand.
The author identified 30 New Zealand-specific publications, articles and reports dating from 1985.
Key Results
Although New Zealand research lacks both breadth and depth, it provides a reasonable indication of the economic consequences of long-term conditions. However, cost-of-illness studies have only limited ability to fully inform policy and decision making.