Development of an interactive model of the burden of future coronary heart disease from an employer perspective.

Abstract

To create a computer-based model for employers to better understand the burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) to their organizations. A user-friendly model was developed to allow employers to evaluate the burden of CHD. Inputs include the demographic distribution by age and sex, prevalence of CHD and CHD risk factors, direct and indirect medical costs of CHD events, and discount and inflation rates. The model contains prediction equations derived from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and Framingham Heart Study equations, used with employer inputs to predict future CHD events and expenditures. Interactive graphs are presented for the employer's covered population alongside regional benchmarks. The time horizon and population may be adjusted. This interactive model illustrates how pragmatic outcomes research can be converted into a transparent model addressing health care budget issues that is readily understood by corporate managers.