Is phase-specific, community-oriented treatment of early psychosis- an economically viable method of improving outcome?

Objective: The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) provides a comprehensive 'real-world' model of early intervention to young people experiencing an emerging psychotic disorder. A prospective study has already provided evidence of improved clinical outcome at 12 months after entry. The present study examined whether the service was also cost-effective.<br /><br />Method: A cost-effectiveness analysis compared EPPIC with its immediate precursor service, from the perspective of the government funding agency. Only direct costs were included.<br /><br />Results: EPPIC proved to be more cost-effective. The weighted average cost per patient for the first 12 months was cheaper (by äD 7110 per patient), while treatment outcomes were superior. The savings were due to the marked reduction in in-patient costs outweighing substantial increases in the costs of community care.<br /><br />Conclusion: These results, while encouraging in terms of the further development of integrated, phase-specific intervention programmes for early psychosis, are not conclusive, and further research is required.<br />