Economic evaluations of internet- and mobile-based interventions for the treatment and prevention of depression: A systematic review

Paganini S, Teigelkötter W, Buntrock C, Baumeister H (2017)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Abstract

Background: Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) targeting depression have been shown to be clinical effective and are considered a cost-effective complement to established interventions. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of IMIs for the treatment and prevention of depression.

Methods: A systematic database search was conducted (Medline, PsychInfo, CENTRAL, PSYNDEX, OHE HEED). Relevant articles were selected according to defined eligibility criteria. IMIs were classified as cost-effective if they were below a willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP) of €22,845 (£20,000) - €34,267 (£30,000) according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) standard. Study quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standard guidelines and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: Of 1,538 studies, 11 economic evaluations of IMIs for the treatment of depression, and 1 for the prevention of depression, were eligible for inclusion. In 6 studies, IMIs were classified as likely to be cost-effective with an incremental cost-utility ratio between €3,088 and €22,609. All of these IMIs were guided. Overall quality of most economic evaluations was evaluated as good. All studies showed some risk of bias.

Limitations: The studies used different methodologies and showed some risk of bias. These aspects as well as the classification of cost-effectiveness according to the WTP proposed by NICE should be considered when interpreting the results.

Conclusions: Results indicate that guided IMIs for the treatment of (subthreshold) depression have the potential to be a cost-effective complement to already established interventions, but more methodologically sound studies are needed.

 

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How to cite

APA:

Paganini, S., Teigelkötter, W., Buntrock, C., & Baumeister, H. (2017). Economic evaluations of internet- and mobile-based interventions for the treatment and prevention of depression: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders.

MLA:

Paganini, Sarah, et al. "Economic evaluations of internet- and mobile-based interventions for the treatment and prevention of depression: A systematic review." Journal of Affective Disorders (2017).

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