The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of an Integrated Mental Health Care Programme in Germany

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Annabel Sandra Mueller-Stierlin - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Uemmueguelsuem Dinc - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Katrin Herder - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Julia Walendzik - , MVZ Karlsplatz (Author)
  • Matthias Schuetzwohl - , Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Thomas Becker - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Reinhold Kilian - , Ulm University (Author)

Abstract

The network for mental health (NWpG = Netzwerk psychische Gesundheit) is an umbrella association for non-medical community mental health care facilities across Germany which are enabled to provide multi-professional mental health care packages including medical and psychosocial services reimbursed by German statutory health insurances since 2009. The aim of this study is to analyse the cost-effectiveness of providing NWpG mental health care packages plus treatment as usual (NWpG) to treatment as usual alone (TAU) in Germany. In a prospective, multicenter, controlled trial over 18 months, a total of 511 patients (NWpG = 251; TAU = 260) were observed in five regions, four times at six-month intervals. The EQ-5D-3L and the Client Sociodemographic and Service Receipt Inventory (CSSRI) were used to estimate quality-adjusted life-years and total costs of illness. Propensity score-adjusted cost–utility analysis was applied using the net benefit approach. No significant differences in costs and QALYs between NWpG and TAU groups were identified. The probability of NWpG being cost-effective compared to TAU was estimated below 75% for maximum willingness to pay (MWTP) values between 0 and 125,000 EUR. The additional provision of the NWpG package is not cost-effective compared to TAU alone.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number6814
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume19
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • assertive community treatment, cost-effectiveness, health economics, integrated care, mental illness