Figure 3: Total NHS costs, comparing baseline with end values (original line) with values for those individuals in the final sample only. Mean values are used for admissions, not by HRGs (health resource groupings that give costings for specific admissions/procedures). Total NHS costs were estimated for each participant for the previous year using published NHS tariffs.
6.4 Health profile 6.4.1 Medications and illnesses ExtraCare participants took more prescribed medications than did controls and had a significantly greater number of chronic illnesses at baseline. However, this was related to the age difference in the samples, rather than any other difference between the groups. However, there were subtle differences in the prevalence of specific co-morbidities. The Control group had more diabetes and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) while the prevalence of cancer and asthma was slightly higher amongst ExtraCare residents. Interesting differences were observed between the two groups with respect to metabolic parameters. The control group fared better in terms of lifestyle factors with a greater proportion undertaking at least 30mins exercise 3 times a week both at baseline and at final follow up. Similarly, the proportion of people eating 4 or more portions of fruit and vegetables was also greater amongst the control group. Over the 18 month period, both groups showed improvements in blood pressure. The change in systolic blood pressure was greater in the ExtraCare group but was not statistically significant. On the other hand there were significant reductions in BMI and Waist circumference between baseline and 18 months in ExtraCare residents while these remained unchanged in control group. There was a significant initial increase in number of prescribed medications for the ExtraCare group perhaps as well-being support resulted in new diagnoses, but this then remained stable. A reduction in polypharmacy was anticipated, given the use of medication review, but this did not clearly occur. There was no significant change in number of co-morbidities.
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