Within a smoking-cessation program, what impact does genetic information on lung cancer need to have to demonstrate cost-effectiveness?

Table 2 Intervention components and unit costs for usual smoking-cessation (USC) and USC plus genetic test

			Qty	Unit cost	2009 AU$	Source
USC (NRT with telephone counselling)
1	GP visit	Standard 5-25 minutes	1	21.00	21.00	[6] MBS item 53
2	Patches	1st step - 21 mg/6 pkts	6	47.95	287.70	Retail pharmacy¹
	(10 weeks)	2nd step - 14 mg/2 pkts	2	27.95	55.90
		3rd step - 7 mg/2 pkts	2	27.95	55.90
3	Phone counselling	Initial + 4 sessions	5	75.74	378.70	DVA, $119.75 initial then $83.70/hr
4	Booklet	Self-help materials	1	2.90	2.90	[6]
				Total	802.10
USC + Genetic test
1	USC as above				802.10
2	Clinic visit	Standard 5-25 minutes	2	21.00	42.00	MBS online schedule, item 53
3	Test	Blood sample, transfer to lab and analysis	1	311.00	311.00	[13]
4	Test booklet	Explains results of gene test	1	2.90	2.90	Assumption - same for quit booklet
				Total	1158.00

1. Price is based on the sale price at a large, urban pharmacy in Brisbane, AUD in 2008. Prices will vary according to conditions and place of purchase (e.g., online pharmacy suppliers vs. neighbourhood pharmacies). Note that the choice of the appropriate price does not impact on the results from the cost effectiveness analysis as the cost is common to both arms of the model.
2. Abbreviations: USC - usual smoking cessation, NRT - nicotine replacement therapy, MBS - Medicare Benefits Schedule, DVA - Department of Veteran's Affairs, pkts - packets

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