20-year Trends of Incremental Hospitalisations and Healthcare Costs of Asthma and COPD Patients in Singapore

Chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are common. Singapore has a high asthma hospitalisation rate and COPD is a leading cause of hospitalisation and death. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we need a better knowledge about the economic burden of chronic respiratory conditions in Singapore and how to prevent unneeded costs.

To address this issue, a study will be conducted using TRUST-approved MOH health administrative data between 2001 and 2020.

First, the study will estimate the 20-year trends of incremental hospitalisations and healthcare costs of asthma and COPD patients in Singapore, taking into account the burden of the disease and comorbidities. The healthcare and economic burden of asthma and COPD will be projected into a future 20 year period for different age and sex groups in Singapore. The study will also identify and describe patient groups who are likely to require high healthcare costs in the future. This study will provide a timely, important update on the current and future economic burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Singapore, which will also improve patient stratification for value-based care, provide better patient outcomes with tailored care, and reduce unnecessary health services and costs.