Cost‐effectiveness analysis of a psychosocial web‐based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomized controlled trial in Norway

Abstract

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a psychosocial web-based intervention for adolescents distressed by a visible difference: Results from a randomized controlled trial in Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology.Adolescents with a visible difference to the face or body (e.g., due to a congenital condition, illness, or injury), may be at risk of elevated psychological distress. Young Person's Face IT (YPF), a web-based psychosocial intervention, has displayed effectiveness, but no previous study has specifically evaluated its cost-effectiveness. The aim of our study was to investigate whether YPF could be a cost-effective alternative for psychosocial support to adolescents distressed by a visible difference, relative to care-as-usual (CAU). Within the context of a randomized controlled trial in Norway, 102 participants (43% boys) were allocated to intervention (n = 55) or waiting list control group (n = 47). Mean age was 13.9 years (SD = 1.71; range 11-18), and all self-identified as experiencing distress related to a visible difference. Participants answered questionnaires including measures of health-related quality of life and social anxiety at baseline and 3-month follow-up. A health economic evaluation using the method of cost-utility analysis was performed, including quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Results indicated that the incremental cost-effectiveness of YPF was 63,641 Norwegian kroner per QALYs gained, which is well within the acceptability threshold in the Norwegian healthcare sector. Hence, YPF could potentially be considered a cost-effective intervention for adolescents experiencing distress related to a visible difference, but more research is needed that includes comparisons of YPF to other health-and societal resources and long-term follow-ups. Our study also constitutes an addition to research as, compared to interventions for somatic diseases, there is a lack of studies exploring the cost-effectiveness of psychological interventions.

Effectiveness of Digital and Analog Stress Management Interventions within Occupational Health Management in the Public Sector

“…This result is consistent with the sparse research on job crafting [115], but contrary to our expectations and new research that postulates job crafting as a potential mediator. The missing results may be explained by the fact that in previous research, mediations were modeled without temporal precedence [82], but are now being looked at with longitudinally paths and a time lag. The simple mediation provides another explanation.…”

“…These strategies have been shown to be effective in previous studies [81], with IStrJR, ISocJR, and ICJD being associated with increased employee work engagement and performance [80]. Beyond these findings, new research on the effectiveness of stress management interventions indicates job crafting to be a significant mediator [82]. Therefore, participants of the "Einfach weniger Stress" online course showed more IStrJR and ICJD after the intervention, with IStrJR additionally mediating indirect effects.…”