Abstract
Direct non-medical cost (DNMc), the cost incurred to patients and caretakers while receiving medical
treatment, is deemed essential in cost estimation from the societal perspective. However, information on DNMc is largely lacking in the Thai context. This study aims to assess DNMc of in-patients at Suratthani
hospital.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect information from 241 patients at Suratthani hospital,
a provincial hospital in Southern Thailand, during 8 May - 7 July 2012. The cost data, including travel
cost, productivity cost, and costs of food and accommodation, were gathered by interviewing patients
and caregivers, with base year 2012. The costs of food, productivity, and accommodation during the 24
hours prior to the interview were counted.
Results showed that the average DNMc incurred by each in-patient was 1,457.10 Baht per day (24
hours). The average DNMc incurred to each caretaker was 1,160.60 Baht per day. With respect to the
household area, the daily average DNMc of in-patients who lived in the municipal area of Suratthani,
outside the municipal area of Suratthani, and outside Suratthani were 1,036.20 Baht, 1,468.70 Baht, and
2,283.40 Baht, respectively.
This study sheds light on the DNMc of in-patients and caretakers, which not only helps medical
professionals plan more efficient medical treatments, but is also an important piece of information used in
conducting economic evaluation research. Future studies, assessing DNMc in other provincial and community
hospitals, are recommended.
