Systematic review of economic evaluations for internet- and mobile-based interventions for mental health problems

Abstract

In view of the staggering disease and economic burden of mental disorders, internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) targeting mental disorders have often been touted to be cost-effective; however, available evidence is inconclusive and outdated. This review aimed to provide an overview of the cost-effectiveness of IMIs for mental disorders and symptoms. A systematic search was conducted for trial-based economic evaluations published before 10th May 2021. Electronic databases (including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, PSYNDEX, and NHS Economic Evaluations Database) were searched for randomized controlled trials examining IMIs targeting mental disorders and symptoms and conducting a full health economic evaluation. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed. Cost-effectiveness was assumed at or below £30,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Of the 4044 studies, 36 economic evaluations were reviewed. Guided IMIs were likely to be cost-effective in depression and anxiety. The quality of most evaluations was good, albeit with some risks of bias. Heterogeneity across studies was high because of factors such as different costing methods, design, comparison groups, and outcomes used. IMIs for anxiety and depression have potential to be cost-effective. However, more research is needed into unguided (preventive) IMIs with active control conditions (e.g., treatment as usual) and longer time horizon across a wider range of disorders.Trial registration: PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42018093808.

Mental health services for German university students: acceptance of intervention targets and preference for delivery modes

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Home-based self-management multimodal cancer interventions & cardiotoxicity: a scoping review

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Implementing Arabic-language digital interventions for depression in German routine health care: log data analysis of the iFightDepression (iFD) tool and awareness website

“…In this case, DID may provide an opportunity for overcoming linguistic barriers to health care provision, as they can be offered and scaled up in different language versions 17 . While the effectiveness of DID is well established 18 and their cost-effectiveness likely 19,20 , their implementation into routine care is still in its infancy. On the one hand there are successful examples of routine care implementations 21 , on the other hand intervention adoption seems to stay below expectations and usage behavior may vary from that reported in controlled trials 22 .…”