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Assessing Cost-Effectiveness - Mental Health. Introduction to the study and methods

Version 2 2024-09-17, 02:01
Version 1 2023-05-16, 20:22
journal contribution
posted on 2024-09-17, 02:01 authored by M Haby, R Carter, C Mihalopoulos, A Magnus, Kristy Sanderson, G Andrews, T Vos
Objective: The Assessing Cost-Effectiveness - Mental Health (ACE-MH) study aims to assess from a health sector perspective, whether there are options for change that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Australia's current mental health services by directing available resources toward 'best practice' cost-effective services. Method: The use of standardized evaluation methods addresses the reservations expressed by many economists about the simplistic use of League Tables based on economic studies confounded by differences in methods, context and setting. The cost-effectiveness ratio for each intervention is calculated using economic and epidemiological data. This includes systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials for efficacy, the Australian Surveys of Mental Health and Wellbeing for current practice and a combination of trials and longitudinal studies for adherence. The cost-effectiveness ratios are presented as cost (A$ per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) saved with a 95% uncertainty interval based on Monte Carlo simulation modelling. An assessment of interventions on 'second filter' criteria ('equity', 'strength of evidence', 'feasibility' and 'acceptability to stakeholders') allows broader concepts of 'benefit' to be taken into account, as well as factors that might influence policy judgements in addition to cost-effectiveness ratios. Conclusions: The main limitation of the study is in the translation of the effect size from trials into a change in the DALY disability weight, which required the use of newly developed methods. While comparisons within disorders are valid, comparisons across disorders should be made with caution. A series of articles is planned to present the results.

History

Publication title

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

Volume

38

Issue

8

Pagination

569-578

ISSN

0004-8674

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Publication status

  • Published

Place of publication

Australia/United Kingdom

Socio-economic Objectives

200409 Mental health

UN Sustainable Development Goals

3 Good Health and Well Being

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