Table 1 Description of the whole trial period and the active intervention period: cost-effectiveness analysis

Rationale

To test whether, before receipt of a HD, the idea of receiving a HD might have an impact on differential QALYs and costs.

To capture the potential differential QALYs and costs on receipt of a HD.

Reference period

From baseline to T1. This was calculated as 21 months long. It is the average duration between baseline and T1 minus 6 months when the HD arm received a HD (i.e. approximately 15 months), plus 6 months of the active intervention.

From T1 minus 6 months when the HD arm received the HD, to T1 at 6 months.

Assumptions

QALYs:

• HRQoL remains the same from baseline to receipt of the HD by the HD arm.

• HRQoL changes linearly from receipt of the HD in the HD arm to T1.

Costs:

• Resource use in the 3 months prior to baseline is representative of the resource use between baseline and the time in the HD arm to receipt of a HD.

• Resource use in the 3 months prior to T1 is representative of the entire 6-month active intervention period.

QALYs:

• HRQoL remains the same from randomisation to the HD arm receiving the HD.

• HRQoL changes linearly from the HD arm receiving the HD to T1.

Costs:

• Resource use in the 3 months prior to T1 is representative of the 6-month active intervention period.

Limitations

The calculation of QALYs and costs requires additional assumptions which might not hold true in reality.

This analysis may not capture the differential QALYs and costs potentially incurred had the HD arm been in receipt of a HD at baseline.