The direct medical cost of managing traumatic brain injuries at Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea: a prospective cost of illness study

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major economic and public health problem globally. There is currently no literature on the direct medical cost of TBIs in Papua New Guinea that can guide policymakers on the burden of TBIs. As such, the aim of this study was to calculate the direct medical cost of managing TBI patients at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). Methods A prospective cost of illness study was carried out at the PMGH from 31 August 2023 to 1 January 2024. The study included 77 patients: 52 with mild head injuries, 16 with moderate head injuries, and 9 with severe head injuries. A bottom-up approach was employed to estimate direct medical costs from both the patient and hospital perspectives. Results Over the 6-month period, the total direct medical cost amounted to K6,246,779.25 (US$1,561,694.81). On average, the direct medical cost per patient was K81,127.00 (US$20,281.75), with a standard deviation of ±341. Alcohol-related injuries accounted for 76.6% (n = 59) of total admissions. Hospital costs during the study period totalled K6,197,919.25 (US$1,549,479.81), representing 99.2% of the total direct medical costs associated with TBIs. Severe head injuries incurred the highest cost per TBI classification, averaging K95,328.03 (US$23,832.01) per patient, with a standard deviation of ±255. Conclusion TBIs are a common cause of admission to PMGH and are associated with significant direct medical costs. Public health interventions and government policies should focus on regulating alcohol production and consumption, as well as improving road traffic safety, to reduce the economic burden of TBIs.