Direct and indirect healthcare resource utilisation in severe asthma patients in China

Background Despite increased guideline attention to severe asthma, and evolving treatment approaches, new assessments of healthcare burden are needed. Aim This study describes healthcare resource utilisation of severe asthma patients in China. Methods Data were drawn from the 2022 Adelphi Asthma Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey of 1161 patients with asthma in China (Jul–Dec 2022). 236 physicians across 10 provinces completed treatment and healthcare resource utilisation information via an online questionnaire for up to 9 asthma patients per physician. The same patients completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Results are descriptive for patients on GINA treatment steps 4 or 5 with uncontrolled asthma according to the ATS/ERS definition. Results In total 553 asthma patients were analysed (mean age 53 years, 57% male). 88% were prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) plus long-acting beta-agonist combination. Other add on controllers included leukotriene receptor antagonist (43%), oral maintenance CS (33%). A biologic was prescribed to 5% of patients. 55% of patients experienced at least 1 exacerbation in the past 12 months that required 1 or more nights hospital stay (mean 8.5 in-patient nights). 27% of patients hospitalised required intensive care unit treatment (mean 2.7 in-patient nights). Mean number of outpatient visits in the previous 12 months to a hospital-based physician was 4.9. Absenteeism and activity impairment were 15% and 62%, respectively. Conclusions Unmet need for severe uncontrolled asthma patients in China is shown by the high exacerbation rate, which leads to high direct and indirect healthcare resource utilisation.