Cost-effectiveness index (CEI): a tool to help evaluate mental health programs

A method for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of mental health programs is presented. The method takes into account the profile of mental health services a patient receives, the frequency of each service and the relative costs of each service in relation to the change in a patient's clinical c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of mental health administration 1989-09, Vol.16 (2), p.97-110
Main Author: Rappaport, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
California
Cost-Benefit Analysis - methods
Data Collection
Forms and Records Control
Health administration
Humans
Mental Health Services - economics
Models, Theoretical
Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care)
Psychiatric Department, Hospital - economics
Relative Value Scales
Schizophrenia - therapy
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Summary:A method for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of mental health programs is presented. The method takes into account the profile of mental health services a patient receives, the frequency of each service and the relative costs of each service in relation to the change in a patient's clinical condition between entrance into and release from a treatment program. It can also be used to assess change over a specified time period. An example compares the cost-effectiveness index (CEI) for similar cohorts of schizophrenia patients treated in two 24-hour acute care psychiatric systems. The CEI can use either actual dollar costs, if known, or a relative value scale associated with different services. Its utility and weaknesses are discussed. The CEI is designed to alert management to differences in the relative cost-effectiveness of programs serving populations of similar patients. Identification of such differences can contribute to improvement in program functioning.
ISSN:0092-8623
1556-3308
DOI:10.1007/BF02521387