title: Cost-effectiveness of an internet-based aftercare intervention after inpatient treatment in a psychosomatic hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The implementation of new interventions into routine care requires the demonstration of both their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
  
  
  METHODS
  We explored the cost-effectiveness of an Internet-based aftercare program in addition to treatment as usual (CHAT) which was compared to treatment as usual (TAU) following inpatient treatment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated based on cost of the intervention, cost of outpatient treatment, and remission rates within 1 year after discharge from hospital.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Assuming a willingness-to-pay of an additional 14.87 € per treatment for every additional percent of remission, CHAT was cost-effective against TAU at a 95% level of certainty. Cost per remission equaled 2664.84 € in TAU and 1752.75 € in CHAT (34.2% savings).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first evidence that Internet-based aftercare may enhance long-term treatment outcome in a cost-effective way.
authors.affiliation: a Center for Psychotherapy Research , University Hospital Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moessner
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: Fikret
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ozer
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zimmer
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kordy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011611:Psychosomatic Medicine / Q000379:methods
keywords: mental health services research