Quality and cost of healthcare services in patients with diabetes in Iran: Results of a nationwide short-term longitudinal survey

Aims: To investigate the journey of patients with diabetes in the healthcare system using nationally-representative patient-reported data.

Methods: Participants were recruited using a machine-learning-based sampling method based on healthcare structures and medical outcome data and were followed up for three months. We assessed the resource utilization, direct/indirect costs, and quality of healthcare services.

Results: One hundred fifty-eight patients with diabetes participated. The most utilized services were medication purchases (276 times monthly) and outpatient visits (231 times monthly). During the previous year, 90% of respondents had a laboratory fasting blood glucose assessment; however, less than 70% reported a quarterly follow-up physician visit. Only 43% had been asked about any hypoglycemia episodes by their physician. Less than 45% of respondents had been trained for hypoglycemia self-management. The annual average health-related direct cost of a patient with diabetes was 769 USD. The average out-of-pocket share of direct costs was 601 USD (78.15%). Medication purchases, inpatient services, and outpatient services summed up 79.77% of direct costs with a mean of 613 USD.

Conclusion: Healthcare services focused solely on glycemic control and the continuity of services for diabetes control was insufficient. Medication purchases, and inpatient and outpatient services imposed the most out-of-pocket costs.