Bilateral vestibulopathy - insight in impact on quality of life and economic burden.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) on quality of life, capabilities and costs. Furthermore, to estimate the potential headroom of a vestibulocochlear implant treatment trajectory, and comparing it to the anticipated costs.

METHODS

Patients meeting the Bárány Society diagnostic criteria for BV were included. Data on quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and capabilities (ICECAP-A) were obtained, along with BV related health care costs, and patient and family costs (last year and total disease duration) through a survey and interview. Productivity loss was measured using PRODISQ and Friction Cost Method. The one year and lifetime headroom were calculated. Experts were interviewed about anticipated health care consumption for a future treatment trajectory.

RESULTS

Fifty patients participated. The mean utility EQ-5D-5L score was 0.680, and the ICECAP-A score was 0.839. Mean total costs in the last year were €5,388 and €30,708 for the total disease duration. The one-year headroom was €12,261; and €306,489 for lifetime. The future treatment trajectory costs were €32,605 for the first year (excluding the implant and processor).

CONCLUSION

BV patients have significantly lower health related quality of life compared to the general population. Combined with their health care consumption and other costs, this provides sufficient headroom for a potentially cost-effective vestibulocochlear implant treatment trajectory.