Biostatistical And Pharmacoeconomic Measures Practice Test

A comparative study of 900 patients (mean age 55 years; 58% female) with asthma compared Add-on Therapy C vs Add-on Therapy D for preventing exacerbations over 1 year. Exacerbation rates were 0.80 vs 0.90 per patient-year (rate ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.99; p = 0.04). Annual drug costs were $3,200 (C) vs $2,600 (D). How do the confidence intervals affect the interpretation of the study?

A budget impact model evaluated formulary addition of a new long-acting injectable antipsychotic for schizophrenia in a Medicaid plan with 100,000 members. Eligible patients were 250 (mean age 36 years; 38% female), with 40% uptake. Pharmacy spending increased by $800,000 annually, and psychiatric hospitalizations decreased by 25 per year (average cost $18,000 each). What does the budget impact model suggest for the healthcare system over 1 year?