Economic Model for an Ambulatory Care Program for Orphan Diseases in the Department of Atlántico (Colombia)

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to design an economic model that allows the projection of costs of an outpatient care program for orphan diseases in the Department of Atlántico (Colombia).

METHODS: Based on the records of SIVIGILA and the National Registry of Orphan Diseases obtained by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection the study evaluates the direct, indirect, and mortality-related costs for the 10 orphan-rare diseases with the highest costs of care across five therapeutic areas (metabolic, hematological, immunological, congenital, and neurological) to assess the burden of care when treatment is available versus when treatment is not feasible.

RESULTS: The model developed provides a robust tool for evidence-based decision-making and financial management in public health and provides a clear and transparent basis for assessing the economic burden of outpatient care for orphan diseases in the Atlantic, ensuring the reliability and replicability of the results.

CONCLUSIONS: Orphan Diseases refer to a set of uncommon and debilitating conditions showing a significant threat to the well-being of those affected by them. Due to their complexity and low occurrence, these diseases are not widely understood in medical, legal, and societal contexts, and they impose a considerable financial strain on the healthcare system. The results of this study highlighted notable variations in overall care costs depending on treatment availability. These economic models delivered accurate forecasts of the financial burden associated with providing outpatient care for these diseases.