W Gerlach-Reinholz1,2, L Drop2, E Basic3,4, M Rauchhaus5,6, J Fritze7. 1. Praxisgemeinschaft Gerlach-Reinholz/Hadasch, Bahnhofstraße 6, 48619, Heek, Deutschland. 2. Sanvartis GmbH, Dr.-Alfred-Herrhausen-Allee 9-11, 47228, Duisburg, Deutschland. 3. Elsevier Health Analytics Germany, Jägerstraße 41, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. 4. Health Risk Institute, Spittelmarkt 12, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. 5. Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Kardiologie, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland. mathias.rauchhaus@buivm.de. 6. buivm - Beratungsunternehmen Innovatives Versorgungsmanagement, Jägersteig 26, 14482, Potsdam, Deutschland. mathias.rauchhaus@buivm.de. 7. , Asternweg 65, 50259, Pulheim, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with a substantial utilization of resources in the German healthcare system. A typical symptom in depression is loss of drive, which possibly contributes to non-adherence and increased costs. OBJECTIVE: The study is based on routine healthcare data and tested the hypothesis that telephone coaching in cases of depression leads to a reduction in total healthcare costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on approximately 80 covariates and using propensity score matching, a total of 1586 persons who had received telephone coaching for depression and covered by a German statutory health insurance fund were matched to a comparable cohort of patients with depression to whom telephone coaching had not been provided. RESULTS: Within the study period of 12 months (3rd quarter 2012-4th quarter 2013) a positive program effect was observed for the intervention group by a significant reduction of total healthcare costs (2332 € vs. 2626 €, p = 0.0015) resulting in total savings to the statutory health insurance fund of 415,532 €. Investment costs amounted to 256,683.42 € leading to a return on investment of 1.62 € (total savings/total investment). The coaching program was well accepted by patients. CONCLUSION: Telephone coaching for depression was able to significantly reduce total healthcare expenditure and the intervention was well accepted by patients.
BACKGROUND:Depression is associated with a substantial utilization of resources in the German healthcare system. A typical symptom in depression is loss of drive, which possibly contributes to non-adherence and increased costs. OBJECTIVE: The study is based on routine healthcare data and tested the hypothesis that telephone coaching in cases of depression leads to a reduction in total healthcare costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on approximately 80 covariates and using propensity score matching, a total of 1586 persons who had received telephone coaching for depression and covered by a German statutory health insurance fund were matched to a comparable cohort of patients with depression to whom telephone coaching had not been provided. RESULTS: Within the study period of 12 months (3rd quarter 2012-4th quarter 2013) a positive program effect was observed for the intervention group by a significant reduction of total healthcare costs (2332 € vs. 2626 €, p = 0.0015) resulting in total savings to the statutory health insurance fund of 415,532 €. Investment costs amounted to 256,683.42 € leading to a return on investment of 1.62 € (total savings/total investment). The coaching program was well accepted by patients. CONCLUSION: Telephone coaching for depression was able to significantly reduce total healthcare expenditure and the intervention was well accepted by patients.
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