Economic Evaluation of Obesity Treatment Programs: ImPACT and Dyad Plus

• Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Md.), 2022-11, Vol.30, p.275-276
• Main Authors: Peluso, Alexandra, Singletary, Camelia, Ard, Jamy, Giles, Steven, Heboyan, Vahé, Ip, Edward, Miller, David, Skelton, Joseph, Turner-Mcgrievy, Brie, Moore, Justin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cost analysis; Obesity; Weight control
• ISSN: 1930-7381; 1930-739X

Background: Interventions are regularly developed, packaged, and tested aimed at increasing the effectiveness of clinical treatment for adolescents with obesity, but the cost-effectiveness of these strategies are less frequently established. Few studies have reported the methods employed and challenges faced when establishing the costs these interventions. The objective of this study is to conduct an economic evaluation of two different obesity intervention programs. This study will establish the economic costs for delivering these programs and the cost basis for a cost-effectiveness analysis of these programs. Methods: Two interventions were developed aimed at increasing the effectiveness of clinical obesity treatment for adolescents. The first (ImPACT), was designed as a compliment to the Brenner Families in Training (BFIT) pediatric weight management clinic, with mHealth components designed to increase self-monitoring, goal setting, and engagement with the clinical team through provision of accessible, educational materials and behavioral self-monitoring tools. The second (Dyad Plus), is a compliment to the youth serving BFIT program and the adult serving By Design Essentials, a weight management clinic for the adult caregiver. Dyad Plus includes six additional virtual lessons for the parent/child dyad designed to build communication skills to reinforce the goals and behavior change strategies taught at each clinic. Economic costs associated with both interventions were collected, evaluated, and calculated. Results: Four types of costs were assessed for each intervention: medical vs. non-medical, and direct vs. non-direct. Costs that were considered unique to conducting the research project were excluded from the cost analysis. Challenges related to the tailored nature of the clinic services and delineation of non-direct costs were encountered. Conclusions: This economic evaluation technique can serve as an example for other investigators who plan to conduct similar economic assessments for their clinical interventions.