Benefit/Incidence Analysis: cochlear implants in children at Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital, period 2003-2011

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood sensorineural hearing loss is a common cause of disability in children, with harmful consequences for individuals, family and society if it is not detected and treated early in life. While the intervention has proven to be cost effective, a high percentage does not access the cochlear implant coverage because of problems of health care. Aim: To determine the use and distribution of public expenditure in health in the pilot program of cochlear implants of the Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital. Material and method: We conducted a Benefit/Incidence Analysis, that is a model that evaluate the distribution and use of public expenditure on health between different socioeconomic groups. Results: During the study period there were performed 73 cochlear implants in children under 15 years, corresponding to 35 girls and 38 men. The 56.1% of children with cochlear implants belonged to the lowest income quintile, 27.5% to the second quintile, 15.1% belonged to the third quintile, and one case belonged to the fourth quintile. There were no child of the fifth quintile of income according to the data of the 2009 CASEN survey. Discussion: When evaluating the program, in this specific case we can establish that public resources are targeted to people with lower incomes and less access to health services.