NYMC Faculty Publications
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of an Overseas Volunteer Mission to the Local Healthcare System
Author Type(s)
Resident/Fellow, Faculty
DOI
10.1177/0003134821998683
Journal Title
The American Surgeon
First Page
1680
Last Page
1688
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-26-2021
Department
Surgery
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the sustainability and cost-benefit of the Operation Giving Back Bohol surgical volunteerism mission (SVM) carried out in Bohol Province, Philippines, over twelve consecutive missions.
METHODS: This was a cost-benefit analysis of prospectively collected financial data from twelve consecutive surgical volunteerism missions held between 2006 and 2018. The overall cost of an SVM and cost per patient were the endpoints of interest. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and costs thereof were calculated for each patient undergoing surgery in the twelve SVMs.
RESULTS: A mean of 112 ± 22 patients were included per year of the SVM. A statistically significant increasing trend in the overall cost of SVMs over time was found (
CONCLUSION: The SVM contributes substantially to the health care system both clinically and financially. A total of 8812 DALYs were averted in these twelve SVMs. Costs per a DALY averted did not significantly change over the mission years. Increasing the number of patients served has increased the total cost of the mission with no impact on the cost per patient.
Recommended Citation
Gachabayov, M., Latifi, L. A., Rivera, R., Baluyot, F. S., & Latifi, R. (2021). A Cost-Benefit Analysis of an Overseas Volunteer Mission to the Local Healthcare System. The American Surgeon, 88 (7), 1680-1688. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003134821998683
