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A Cost–Benefit Analysis of a Family Systems Intervention for Managing Pediatric Chronic Illness
Author(s) -
Distelberg Brian J.,
Emerson Natacha D.,
Gavaza Paul,
Tapanes Daniel,
Brown Whitney N.,
Shah Huma,
WilliamsReade Jacqueline,
Montgomery Susanne
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/jmft.12166
Subject(s) - psychosocial , indirect costs , liberian dollar , intervention (counseling) , cost–benefit analysis , medicine , direct cost , total cost , family medicine , psychiatry , business , finance , ecology , accounting , biology
Despite recent increases of psychosocial programs for pediatric chronic illness, few studies have explored their economic benefits. This study investigated the costs–benefits of a family systems‐based, psychosocial intervention for pediatric chronic illness ( MEND : Mastering Each New Direction). A quasi‐prospective study compared the 12‐month pre–post direct and indirect costs of 20 families. The total cost for program was estimated to $5,320. Families incurred $15,249 less in direct and $15,627 less in indirect costs after MEND . On average, medical expenses reduced by 86% in direct and indirect costs, for a cost–benefit ratio of 0.17. Therefore, for every dollar spent on the program, families and their third payers saved approximately $5.74. Implications for healthcare policy and reimbursements are discussed.