RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cost impact of a multidisciplinary clinic for children with problematic severe asthma JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP PA1531 DO 10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.PA1531 VO 48 IS suppl 60 A1 Karen Kam A1 Alberto Nettel-Aguirre A1 Ian Mitchell A1 David Johnson A1 Gillian Currie YR 2016 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/PA1531.abstract AB Introduction: The Intensive Management of Asthma Clinic (IMAC) is a novel multidisciplinary clinic for children with problematic severe asthma. The cost of maintaining such a clinic compared to a standard asthma clinic has not been studied.Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the cost impact of consolidating resources in the IMAC. We hypothesized that there would be an overall cost saving in healthcare utilization, compared to patients managed in a standard asthma clinic.Methods: This quasi-experimental retrospective study compared all patients enrolled in the IMAC between 2008-2011 and patients (<18 yrs) with problematic severe asthma in the standard asthma clinic at Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada. Data on healthcare utilization (clinic visit, ED, hospitalization) was collected previously, and combined with costing data, including patient-borne costs. This was grouped and analyzed in 3-month intervals 2 years prior and after time 0 (1st IMAC visit, or met criteria for severe asthma). Primary analyses used linear mixed effects modeling.Results: IMACStandardClinic328(246 to 411)4(-74 to 82)ED-70(-90 to -51)-33(-47 to -20)Hospitalization-135(-197 to -73)-135(-197 to -73)Patient-borne-54(-91 to -16)-54(-91 to -16)Difference in costs over time, $(CAD), 95% CIAcross patients and the time intervals, there was a mean net savings in the standard clinic of $218, and a mean net spending in the IMAC of $69.Conclusion: The IMAC reduced unplanned ED visits and hence costs, but may be more expensive than standard asthma intervention. Decision-makers must judge whether benefits associated with multidisciplinary clinics are worth the potential additional resources required.