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Assessing the cost-effectiveness of RT Prepare: a radiation therapist–delivered intervention for reducing psychological distress prior to radiotherapy

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 05:42 authored by Youens, D, Halkett, G, Cameron Wright, O'Connor, M, Schofield, P, Jefford, M, Aranda, S, Kane, R, Moorin, R

Objective: To determine the cost‐effectiveness of RT Prepare in reducing breast cancer patients' psychological distress before treatment, compared with usual care.

Methods: RT Prepare, an intervention involving patient education and support consultations with a radiation therapist (RT), was implemented at three Australian sites (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12611001000998). The primary outcome was change in psychological distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life (QoL) and additional health service use. Costs (2015 $AU) included consultation time and training delivery. Between‐group comparisons of HADS and QoL used generalised linear mixed models, and comparisons of health service use used negative binomial regression. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) indicated mean costs per 1‐point decrease in HADS score. Sensitivity analyses explored variation in facility size and uncertainty in intervention effectiveness.

Results: Among 218 controls and 189 intervention participants, the intervention significantly lowered HADS scores at treatment commencement (adjusted mean difference 1.06 points). There was no significant effect on QoL or additional service use. Mean intervention costs were AU$171 per participant (US$130, €119) mostly related to RT training (approximately AU$142 (US$108, €99). An ICER of $158 (US$120, €110) was estimated. Cost‐effectiveness improved in a sensitivity analysis representing a large facility with higher patient numbers.

Conclusion: This study provides new data on the cost‐effectiveness of an RT‐delivered intervention to reduce psychological distress prior to treatment, which will be useful to inform delivery of similar services. As most costs were upfront, cost‐effectiveness would likely improve if implemented as standard care.

History

Publication title

Psycho-Oncology

Volume

28

Issue

5

Pagination

1110-1118

ISSN

1057-9249

Department/School

School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Place of publication

The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, England, W Sussex, Po19 8Sq

Rights statement

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Behaviour and health; Health status (incl. wellbeing)

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