Germany’s healthcare system is witnessing a promising shift in managing acute mental health crises, with intensive home treatment (IHT) emerging as a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional inpatient care.
Study Design and Participant Insights
A comprehensive economic evaluation was conducted through a quasi-experimental nonrandomized trial across ten sites in Germany from January 2021 to December 2022. The study involved 400 individuals with severe mental illnesses experiencing acute crises. These participants were evenly split, with 200 receiving IHT and 200 undergoing inpatient treatment, matched using propensity scores. The age range of participants averaged 45 years, with a significant majority being female.
Economic Implications and Cost-Effectiveness
Analyzing the data from both societal and statutory health insurance perspectives, the incremental cost utility ratios (ICURs) revealed that IHT is a financially sound option. From the societal viewpoint, the ICUR stood at €38,433.81, while the statutory health insurance perspective showed an ICUR of €48,786.43. The acceptability probabilities indicated a 67% likelihood of IHT being cost-effective at a maximum willingness to pay (MWTP) of €25,000 from the societal perspective.
- IHT offers substantial cost savings compared to inpatient care.
- Higher acceptability rates under statutory health insurance highlight its viability.
- Gender distribution suggests potential tailored approaches in treatment.
- Age factors may influence the effectiveness and acceptance of IHT.
Despite these promising findings, the study underscores significant stochastic uncertainties, indicating the need for further research to solidify the economic benefits of IHT.
Germany’s adoption of IHT could lead to more personalized and financially sustainable care for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises. By reducing the reliance on inpatient facilities, the healthcare system can allocate resources more efficiently, potentially improving patient outcomes and overall system resilience. Future studies should focus on long-term impacts and diverse population segments to enhance the robustness of these findings.
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