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The Direct Medical Cost of Managing Traumatic Brain Injuries at Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea; a Prospective Cost of Illness Study
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury is a major economic and public health problem globally. There is currently no literature on direct medical cost of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Papua New Guinea that can guide policy makers on the burden of Traumatic Brain Injuries. As such the aim of this study was to calculate the direct medical cost of managing Traumatic Brain Injury patients at Port Moresby General Hospital. Methods A prospective cost of illness study was carried out at Port Moresby General Hospital from August 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024. The study included 77 patients: 52 with mild head injuries, 16 with moderate head injuries, and 9 with severe head injuries. A bottom-up approach was employed to estimate direct medical costs from both the patient and hospital perspectives. Results Over the six-month period, the total direct medical cost amounted to K6, 246,779.25 (US$1,561,694.81). On average, the direct medical cost per patient was K81, 127.00 (US$20,281.75), with a standard deviation of ±341. Alcohol-related injuries accounted for 76.6% (n=59) of total admissions. Hospital costs during the study period totaled K6, 197,919.25 (US$1,549,479.81), representing 99.2% of the total direct medical costs associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries. Severe head injuries incurred the highest cost per TBI classification, averaging K95, 328.03 (US$23,832.01) per patient, with a standard deviation of ±255. Conclusion Traumatic Brain Injuries are a common cause of admission to Port Moresby General Hospital and are associated with significant direct medical costs. Public health interventions and government policies should focus on regulating alcohol production and consumption, as well as improving road traffic safety, to reduce the economic burden of Traumatic Brain Injuries.
MJ24007 Accepted 08 May 2025
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