Cost–benefit analysis of kidney transplant in patients with chronic kidney disease: a case study in Iran

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a health problem due to its increasing prevalence and imposes a significant economic burden on the health system. This study aimed to analyze the cost–benefit of kidney transplantation through the valuation of patients with ESRD for a kidney transplant and its costs to help decide this regard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional economic evaluation study of health interventions performed in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia from the patient’s perspective. The records of kidney recipients were used to calculate the direct costs of kidney transplantation based on the government tariff rate in 2021. The willingness to pay for kidney transplantation (benefit) was measured through a questionnaire and with a contingent valuation method from 266 samples of patients with ESRD. The questionnaire designed by the researchers had four scenarios with different chances for kidney transplant success. Validation and test–retest methods were used to check the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Stata software was used to estimate the regression of the factors affecting the willingness to pay and the kidney transplant demand function. RESULTS: The average cost of a kidney transplant was $877.4. The average willingness to pay for a kidney transplant for four scenarios was estimated at $4733. The mean cost–benefit ratio (BCR) and net present value (NPV) for the four kidney transplant scenarios were 5.39 and $3855. The variables of employment status, awareness of kidney function, number of years with ESRD, insurance coverage, and patients’ income significantly affected their willingness to pay. However, the effect of other variables was not significant. The absolute value of price elasticity of kidney transplant demand was also equal to 2.13. CONCLUSION: According to the cost–benefit analysis indexes, the study results showed that a kidney transplant has a net positive benefit for all levels of its probability of success, so the willingness to pay or valuation of patients is about five times the cost of a kidney transplant. Also, the demand for kidney transplantation shows the high sensitivity of the demand for this service to the price. Therefore, preparations for kidney transplantation in patients with ESRD should be considered in situations where the price and cost of transplantation change. The results can help health policy-makers decide to allocate financial resources more efficiently. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12962-022-00372-1.