Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To determine the personal costs for people with impaired vision in Australia for care and support, low vision products, special equipment, travel and services. Methods: A series of monthly cost diaries were specially developed for people with impaired vision. Modifications were made to the format from feedback from the pilot study participants. Diaries were produced in large print, audio, Braille and electronic versions. Personal assistance was also provided to facilitate data collection for some people. Costs were collected under 4 categories: medicines, products and equipment; health and community services; informal care and support; and other expenses. The average cost and ranges were calculated for each category of costs. A questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic information, use of resources, pensions and subsidies. Participants were recruited from Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and vision rehabilitation agencies, with vision acuity range from mild to profound vision loss. Results: Diaries were sent to 191 participants. Questionnaires were administered to the participants. In the first month, 120 diaries were completed. The mean age was 65.4 years (range 12 – 93), with 53% female. The average spent on medicines, products and equipment was AUD$128.63 (range $0 – $3,100); the greatest average expenditure on individual items was vision related products such as low vision devices (AUD$86.65; SD±432.42). Health and community services expenditure was AUD$35.53 (range $0 – $470) per month. Informal care and support received from family members, friends and neighbours, volunteers and paid private helpers was recorded as hours spent. Costs were derived using average hourly earnings; average personal costs were AUD$183.40 (range $0 – $1,686.88). Actual expenditure such as for paid private helpers was added. The average cost for all other expenses was AUD$92.02 (range $0 – $1,446.28), with the highest use of taxi services. The average cost per person including lost production of helpers was AUD$439.58 (range $0 – $3,797.30) per month. This would give an estimated annual expenditure of AUD$5,274.96 (SD±7,634.82). Conclusions: Costs to people with impaired vision and lost production of helpers are substantial even with subsidies provided for medical products and services. The greatest expenditure on individual items is on payment for vision related products.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower • low vision • quality of life