Cost parameter inputs for the base-case scenario
| Parameter | Base case, $ | Data source/reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Universal screening | ||
| Adjusted laboratory costs | ||
| Laboratory services | 10.67 | OHIP Schedule of Benefits for Laboratory Services (complete blood count, ferritin and C-reactive protein)* |
| Administration | 6.37 | Ontario Nurses Association (assuming 10-min nursing time)† |
| Patient documentation and specimen collection fee | 10.76 | OHIP Schedule of Benefits (urban location) |
| Total (uninflated) | 28.48 (27.80) | Inflated to value as of January 2019 using the monthly Canadian Consumer Price Index‡ |
| Patient-borne cost | ||
| Salary loss | 103.21 | Average weekly wages for Canadians (permanent employees) were $1032.12 in January 2019. (40) In the base case, 1 parent is assumed to take 0.5 d off work. |
| Travel expense | 13.12 | 1 parent driving conventional vehicle to screening location (15 km round trip). Fuel consumption is 7.8 L/100 km§ and cost of regular gasoline is $0.96/L,¶ for a total cost for gasoline of $1.12. In the base case, a 1-hour parking time is assumed at $6 per 30 min,** for a parking cost of $12. |
| Total | 116.33 | |
| Total cost | 144.81 | |
| Targeted screening | ||
| Adjusted laboratory costs | ||
| Laboratory services | 10.67 | As above |
| Administration | 12.73 | As above |
| Patient documentation and specimen collection fee | 10.76 | As above |
| Total (uninflated) | 35.00 (34.16) | Inflated to value as of January 2019 using the monthly Canadian Consumer Price Index‡ |
| Patient-borne cost | ||
| Salary loss | 103.21 | As above |
| Travel expense | 13.12 | As above |
| Total | 116.33 | |
| Total cost | 151.33 | |
| Treatment cost (ferrous sulfate, 4 mo) | 170.00 | $168.63 including dispensing fee (44) |
Note: OHIP = Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
↵* As of Apr. 1, 2017: complete blood count $3.98, ferritin $2.97, C-reactive protein $3.72.
↵† Using an hourly rate of $38.19 for full-time registered nurse with 5 years’ experience (effective Apr. 1, 2017). (38)
↵‡ April 2017: 130.4; January 2019: 133.6. (39)
↵§ Fuel consumption ratings by Natural Resources Canada using the measures of the Honda Civic coupe, Canada’s best-selling car for 21 consecutive years. (41)
↵¶ Ontario gasoline price on Feb. 11, 2019. (42)
↵** Parking rate at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. (43)