AHA was engaged by Diabetes Australia, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Ageing, to undertake research into the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of insulin pumps.

This project involved a systematic review of international literature and other information sources, and consultation with a range of stakeholders. AHA assessed available evidence and compared that with other diabetes management strategies such as multiple daily insulin injections. AHA also undertook a broad consultation process which aimed to be inclusive of all interested parties, in order to capture the full range of views present.

The final report identified:

• Clinical benefits and impact on quality of life
• Utilization of pumps and pump consumables
• Impact of health professionals and consumer choice on uptake
• Price changes over the past 5 years and driver
• Uptake in other OECD countries
• Reimbursement streams, including private health insurance, public sector and charitable organisations
• Defining the groups of people who would benefit most from insulin pumps
• Forecast of the use of pumps in Australia for the next decade
• Evaluation of technology advances that may impact on future use.

Findings from this independent review helped inform subsequent decisions by the Government regarding public funding of insulin pump consumables and pump reimbursement strategies. In 2009, the Australian Government introduced subsidies for insulin pumps for children under 18 and in 2010 the maximum subsidy was increased to 80% of the pump price.