Exploratory economic analyses of two primary care mental health projects: implications for sustainability.
We evaluated an Internet-based psychological intervention supported by either general practitioners or psychologists (Panic Online), and a Primary-care Evidence-based Psychological-interventions (PEP) strategy which involves training GPs to deliver specific psychological interventions. Economic modelling suggests that Panic Online is cost-effective when supported by either GPs or psychologists. Threshold analysis of the psychological training of GPs suggests that a modest effect size for clinical benefit would be sufficient to provide an acceptable cost-effectiveness ratio. The sustainability of these approaches depends on a range of factors, including funding, workforce availability, and acceptability to consumers and health care providers.
Mihalopoulos
Cathrine
C
Program Evaluation Unit, Melbourne University Health Economics Group, School of Population Health, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. c.mihalopoulos@unimelb.edu.au
Kiropoulos
Litza
L
Shih
Sophy T-F
ST
Gunn
Jane
J
Blashki
Grant
G
Meadows
Graham
G
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005378:Financial Support; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D018803:Models, Economic; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000191:economics*; D011584:Psychology; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D014739:Victoria; D000078329:Workforce