[Cost-effectiveness model of a community-based service for dementia caregivers].
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of a psychoeducational concept for dementia caregivers with standard care.


METHODS
A literature search determined the data for the cost-effectiveness model concerning the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs. The parameters were evaluated using a decision tree. The evaluation of the base case analysis concerning stability was carried out using sensitivity analysis and a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS).


RESULTS
After the implementation of the psychoeducational concept for caregivers a saving of 750 euro was made and a 0.07 QALY was gained over a one-year time horizon. The results of the sensitivity analysis proved to be stable.


CONCLUSIONS
By using the community-based service, costs can be saved and QALYs of the caregivers can be gained. This results in a decrease of depressive symptoms among caregivers and in a delay of institutionalisation of the dementia patient.
Dietl
M
M
Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Public Health der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen. markus.dietl@uk-erlangen.de
Kornhuber
J
J
Schöffski
O
O
Grässel
E
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic