Assisted therapy model for dispensing immunobiological drugs for rheumatoid arthritis by the Brazilian Unified Health System: rational use of resources reduces expenses

Abstract

Objective: The incorporation of immunobiologicals for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) represented a significant advance but had an important impact on the budget. As the current model of direct delivery to the patient presented deficiencies, the CEDMAC model of assisted therapy focusing on rational use was implemented to minimize expenses and increase access. However, there is no data comparing the two models. Thus, this study aimed to compare the number of vials effectively dispensed by the CEDMAC model compared to direct delivery and to evaluate its financial impact. Methods: We included RA patients attended at CEDMAC during 2015, whose immunobiological was provided by Ministry of Health. Drug and dose received, prescribed dose, number of vials, cancellations due to contraindication and absences were recorded. As comparison, the number of vials that would be delivered by the direct delivery model were estimated. Savings were calculated by the difference between the total number of vials dispensed by the two systems and the financial impact by acquisition value in 2015. Results: During 2015, CEDMAC performed 3,784 consultations for RA patients. The total number of immunobiological vials prescribed was 10,000 vials and 1,946 (19.5%) were not used for vial optimization, contraindications or absenteeism. Saved vials reduced expenses by R$ 806,132.62. The expansion of the model for all SUS would reduce expenses by R$ 121,110,388.27. Conclusion: CEDMAC’s model of assisted therapy considerably reduces the volume of dispensed vials and can bring significant cost offsets in the supply of RA immunobiologicals by SUS.