Implantable cardioverter defibrillator specific rehabilitation improves health cost outcomes: Findings from the COPE-ICD randomized controlled trial

Selina Kikkenborg Berg, Ann-Dorthe Zwisler, Mette Bjerrum Koch, Jesper Hastrup Svendsen, Anne Vinggaard Christensen, Preben Ulrich Pedersen, Lau Caspar Thygesen

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The Copenhagen Outpatient ProgrammE - implantable cardioverter defibrillator (COPE-ICD) trial included patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators in a randomized controlled trial of rehabilitation. After 6-12 months significant differences were found in favour of the rehabilitation group for exercise capacity, general and mental health. The aim of this paper is to explore the long-term health effects and cost implications associated with the rehabilitation programme; more specifically, (i) to compare implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy history and mortality between rehabilitation and usual care groups; (ii) to examine the difference between rehabilitation and usual care groups in terms of time to first admission; and (iii) to determine attributable direct costs.

METHODS: Patients with first-time implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation (n = 196) were randomized (1:1) to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation or usual care. Outcomes were measured by implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy history from patient records and national register follow-up on mortality, hospital admissions and costs.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found after 3 years for implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy or mortality between rehabilitation and usual care. Time to first admission did not differ. The cost of rehabilitation was 335 USD/276 Euro per patient enrolled in rehabilitation. The total attributable cost of rehabilitation after 3 years was -6,789 USD/-5,593 Euro in favour of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION: No long-term health outcome benefits were found for the rehabilitation programme. However, the rehabilitation programme resulted in a reduction in total attributable direct costs.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume47
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)267-72
Number of pages6
ISSN1650-1977
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2015

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Denmark
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult

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