Documenting the Benefits and Cost Savings of a Large Multistate Cancer Pathway Program From a Payer's Perspective

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e241-e247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene D. Kreys ◽  
Jim M. Koeller

Broadly implemented clinical pathways can achieve reasonable physician compliance, resulting in substantial cost savings.

Author(s):  
Robert I. Roth ◽  
Nicholas M. Fleischer

Recent years have seen the approvals, more so in the EU than the United States, of follow-on biological drugs. These products have been new formulations of recombinant therapeutic proteins, developed to compete with the marketed originator products. Intended to closely mimic the originator products in terms of chemistry and therapeutic properties, these so-called ‘biosimilar’ products were initially conceived to be developed according to abbreviated development programmes, presumably at a substantial cost savings to both the drug developer and the consumer. With several such products now recently approved, however, it has become clear that their development programmes have been quite extensive and not particularly abbreviated. Accordingly, cost savings to consumers appear to be relatively modest.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anitha Acharya

Purpose In this paper, the prior research on virtual teams was reviewed to assess the state of the literature. The purpose of this paper is to determine why individuals prefer working in virtual teams (also termed liquid workers and part-time workers). Previous researchers have focussed on the benefits that organizations receive if they hire liquid workers, but to date, no research has been conducted to determine the perspective of these liquid workers. The various definitions of virtual teams are discussed and an integrative definition is proposed that suggests all teams may be defined in terms of their extent of virtualness. Design/methodology approach A systematic review of the literature on virtual teams was conducted. The data were collected from 12 informants. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings Six main themes were identified, namely, pliability, opportunities, increased earnings, vigour, family and transportation. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in a three-metropolitan city in India and warrants being extended to rural and international settings to gain additional insights and confirmation of the research findings. Practical implications It is suggested that organizations who recruit liquid workers will be in a position for substantial cost savings; this is because organizations usually make payment of liquid workers’ wages on an hourly basis. This will help the organizations to schedule the number of working hours depending on their needs. Originality/value The current study is novel as there is a paucity of research in identifying the factors behind working in the virtual community in India. This study presents the first research of its kind to the best knowledge of the author, and the findings will be valuable for companies who are looking for cost savings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 428-433
Author(s):  
Elahe Laali ◽  
Jinous Fazli ◽  
Sanambar Sadighi ◽  
Mehdi Mohammadi ◽  
Kheirollah Gholami ◽  
...  

Introduction Febrile neutropenia (FN) is one of the dose-limiting adverse effects of chemotherapy. Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factors (G-CSFs) minimize the incidence of FN and reduce the risk of neutropenia complications. This study was conducted to address the prescription pattern of G-CSF for primary prophylaxis of FN during the first cycle of chemotherapy in solid tumors. Method This prospective observational study was done to investigate the G-CSF prescription pattern in patients receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy for solid tumors and compare it with the NCCN guideline recommendations. Result Based on the guideline, prophylactic G-CSF administration was indicated in 26 of the 96 patients (27.1%) and all of them received G-CSF. On the other hand, 70 patients (72.9%) did not meet the guideline criteria for prophylaxis, but 60 (62.5%) of them received G-CSF. Seven doses of pegfilgrastim and 165 doses of filgrastim were used inappropriately in the study population, which was associated with an economic burden of about 224.7 million IRR (5350 USD). Conclusion Taken together, inconsistencies with the guideline were observed in this prospective evaluation, suggesting that submitting rationalized policies to decrease G-CSF prescription, especially in patients with a lower or intermediate FN risk, yields substantial cost savings.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 139-139
Author(s):  
Colin Nash ◽  
Ken Williams ◽  
Francesca Pirog ◽  
Kristi Mitchell

139 Background: Clinical pathways have emerged as a tool for payers to encourage provider adherence to evidence-based care. Avalere sought to understand how oncology pathway developers consider different types of evidence and physician input in designing pathways, and how the experiences of early programs may serve as an indicator for future implementation. Methods: Avalere conducted targeted white and grey literature searches to identify and analyze pathways used by oncology practice groups, provider networks, and major commercial payers. The research was augmented by informant interviews with representatives from leading organizations that have developed or implemented pathways. Results: Current pathways programs differ in their origins and objectives. Across these programs, Avalere identified findings in three key areas: Development: Developers consider efficacy of treatments first, followed by toxicity, and then cost. Many developers conduct an independent evidence review, while others leverage clinical practice guidelines. All developers solicit physician input on pathway design and updates; Use: Independent pathway developers partner with commercial insurers and large provider networks to design pathways with cost-saving components. Physicians are evaluated based on their adherence to the pathways, but are not held accountable for reporting or performance on NQF-endorsed quality measures; Impact: Cost savings in early programs are largely due to reduced toxicity-related medical costs, use of less expensive drugs, and lower total drug use. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of pathways on patient outcomes. Conclusions: There is variability across oncology pathway developers regarding their scope, granularity, and processes related to evaluating and incorporating evidence. If clinical programs demonstrate early cost reductions while improving patient outcomes, payers will likely attempt to expand pathways programs to new geographies and therapeutic areas. Existing practice patterns and previously implemented pathways programs will likely play heavily in determining which pathways are adopted in a given region, but national standardization is highly unlikely.


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