The financial impact of implementation of a prehabilitation program for colorectal cancer patients in the Netherlands: A budget impact analysis.

BACKGROUND

Prehabilitation is proven to be clinically effective, it has shown to decrease complication rate and length of hospital stay after colorectal cancer surgery. However, for broad implementation, information is needed on the financial impact of prehabilitation. This study evaluates the budget impact of a prehabilitation program for colorectal cancer surgery patients in the Netherlands.

METHODS

This budget impact analysis was based on real world data from Dutch hospitals and available data in literature. It was assessed for a period of five years, considering an annual rate of approximately 10,500 colorectal cancer surgeries in the Netherlands. Several scenarios were assessed, varying population size, prehabilitation program cost, and uptake of prehabilitation.

RESULTS

The total mean hospital admission costs per patient was €3060 for the prehabilitation program and €3636 for standard care. Calculated over a one-year period, this was €77.9 million for patients with a prehabilitation program, while the standard care costs €90.8 million.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a prehabilitation program for colorectal cancer surgery patients in the Netherlands may reduce hospital costs. The program could generate savings of approximately €64.3 million over five years, supporting its broader adoption.