The burden of hospitalizations for COVID-19 in France: A study of all cases in the national insurance claims database in 2020

Our Putnam PHMR colleagues delivered an in-depth analysis on the burden of patient hospitalizations in France as a result of COVID-19. The study population consisted of all patients hospitalized in 2020 – assessing healthcare resource consumption in the hospital setting through the French national health insurance claims database. The article is featured in the Journal of Market Access & Health Policy.

Abstract summary

Background: The economic consequences of the recent COVID-19 pandemic were substantial. However, direct medical costs in France have not been determined

Objective: To describe patient characteristics, intensity of care, mortality, and direct medical costs in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infections in France

Study design: A retrospective study of the French national hospital claims database for 2020

Setting: Hospital care

Patients or other participants: All patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020 were included and classified by hospitalization duration into acute phase and prolonged COVID-19

Intervention: Stratification by intensity of care (Level 1: no or low-flow oxygen support; Level 2: non-invasive ventilation; Level 3: mechanical ventilation)

Main outcome measure: Cost of hospital care in 2020 Euros from a payer perspective

Results: 199,455 patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 in France in 2020. 17,824 patients (8.9%) received mechanical ventilation and 32,602 patients (16.3%) died. Mean per patient cost was €5,510 ± 7,142. This cost was highest in patients receiving Level 3 care, patients aged >80 years and in those with prolonged COVID

Conclusion: The economic burden of hospitalizations for COVID-19 infections in France during 2020 was substantial. The study provides robust baseline data to benchmark advances in the standard of care and to nurture epidemiological models

Read the full piece.