Cost analysis of chronic disease self-management programmes being delivered in South Florida

Background: Chronic disease accounts for the majority of healthcare costs. The Chronic Disease Self- Management Programme (CDSMP) has been shown to be effective in reducing the burden of chronic disease. Objectives: The objective of this study was to measure the cost of delivering the Chronic Disease Self- Management Programme (CDSMP) in order to determine whether it has the potential to produce a net cost saving among elderly residents of South Florida. Methods: Cost data were collected from four agencies participating in the delivery of CDSMP workshops in South Florida. Information on healthcare cost savings were obtained from the literature and updated to current dollars. Questionnaires were emailed to programme coordinators from agencies participating in the delivery of CDSMP workshops. Questionnaires were returned via email. Costs were computed from the perspective of the participating agencies. Results: Costs for implementation per programme participant were US204. These average costs are below the US1,381 healthcare cost reductions documented in the literature during the first year following programme participation. Conclusion: Results suggest the potential effectiveness of CDSMP in reducing healthcare costs among elderly residents of South Florida. This has implications for the further dissemination and sustainability of evidence-based programmes for seniors. An evaluation of outcomes among the South Florida population is needed.