Clinical characteristics and economic impact of acute hospitalisations due to bronchiectasis exacerbations among adult Indigenous Australians in the Top End Northern Territory

Abstract

This cross-sectional study assessed the clinical and economic costs (Inpatient Activity Database) associated with hospitalisations due to bronchiectasis exacerbations among adult indigenous patients in the Top End, Northern Territory. Twenty case episodes from 15 indigenous patients with a mean age of 51.8 ± 12.7 years were recorded in a 3-month study window. The estimated cost was AUD 400 579.9, with cost per patient AUD 26 705 over 3 months and average cost per admission AUD 20 029. Extrapolating cost data across a 10-year period gave a conservative estimate of AUD 28 million.