Is phase-specific, community-oriented treatment of early psychosis an economically viable method of improving outcome?
OBJECTIVE
The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) provides a comprehensive 'real-world' model of early intervention to young people experiencing an emerging psychotic disorder. A prospective study has already provided evidence of improved clinical outcome at 12 months after entry. The present study examined whether the service was also cost-effective.


METHODS
A cost-effectiveness analysis compared EPPIC with its immediate precursor service, from the perspective of the government funding agency. Only direct costs were included.


RESULTS
EPPIC proved to be more cost-effective. The weighted average cost per patient for the first 12 months was cheaper (by $AUD 7110 per patient), while treatment outcomes were superior. The savings were due to the marked reduction in in-patient costs outweighing substantial increases in the costs of community care.


CONCLUSIONS
These results, while encouraging in terms of the further development of integrated, phase-specific intervention programmes for early psychosis, are not conclusive, and further research is required.
Mihalopoulos
C
C
Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, Mental Health Services for Kids and Youth, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
McGorry
P D
PD
Carter
R C
RC
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome