Provider cost and patient’s willingness to pay for hemodialysis treatment in Hemodialysis Unit, Hospital USM

• Main Author: Radzi, Ummi Nabila
• Format: Monograph
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Sains Malaysia 2013
• Subjects: RC870-923 Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology
• Online Access: http://eprints.usm.my/58902/1/UMMI%20NABILA%20BINTI%20RADZI%20-%20e.pdf; http://eprints.usm.my/58902/

The increase number of end stage renal failure (ESRD) patients requires for hemodialysis currently, variations in quality of care and escalation of healthcare cost become a burden on patients, families and the healthcare system. Thus, there is a need to conduct a study in order to estimate the real cost of hemodialysis treatment per visit, their willingness to pay (WTP) and perception towards healthcare services. The study objectives are; to calculate the treatment cost of hemodialysis treatment at Hospital USM, to determine patient’s WTP for the treatment, and to assess the factors that influence patient’s WTP. A cross sectional study was conducted among 37 ESRD patients who received hemodialysis treatment at Hospital USM, Kelantan, Malaysia during the study period. Participants were selected purposively and a set of self administered questionnaire was used for data collection. While data for costing analysis was obtained from the Finance Department, Hospital USM that was previously prepared for the Casemix implementation (in 2012) in Hospital USM. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 20.0, includes linear regression test and non-parametric (Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney) tests. The estimated cost of hemodialysis treatment is RM 136.22. The average amount of patient’s WTP for this treatment is RM 18.78 per visit. Age, education, income and family size were significantly associated to patient’s WTP. The majority of respondents (65%) is unwilling to pay for the treatment. However, patients of high education selfbackground and high monthly income were more willing to pay for hemodialysis treatment compared to the other group. In conclusion, there is a need to look for a standard clinical pathway for the management of ESRD patients. This is important to provide useful information for decision-makers to ensure effective resources allocation and the delivery of high-quality care.