[Efficacy and cost effectiveness of case management in patients with dementia].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the project was to evaluate case management for patients suffering from dementia in order to improve the quality of care and offer patients a chance to stay at home for a longer time.


METHODS
The evaluation was prospective with a follow-up of 12 months. Data regarding efficacy and costs were taken from one local and three supraregional health insurance funds. Primary outcome was time remaining at home.


RESULTS
Time remaining at home was 16.1 months with a mean of 12.2 months (p=0.02) in the control group. Regarding cost effectiveness, an additional month remaining at home costs between 41 and 53 EUR.


CONCLUSIONS
Regarding time remaining at home, institutionalization and all-cause death, data indicate that case management seems to be an effective intervention in patients with dementia; however, further evaluations with a major number of observed patients and longer follow-up are necessary.
Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach-Stiftungslehrstuhl für Medizinmanagement, Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Campus Essen, Schützenbahn 70, 45127, Essen, Deutschland. sarah.mostardt@medman.uni-due.de
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Mostardt
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Matusiewicz
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Schröer
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Wasem
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Neumann
D019090:Case Management / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003704:Dementia / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D018803:Models, Economic; D015995:Prevalence