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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Care | Research

A pilot study of the impact of an integrated individual- and family therapy model for self-harming adolescents on overall healthcare consumption

Authors: Moa Bråthén Wijana, Inna Feldman, Richard Ssegonja, Pia Enebrink, Ata Ghaderi

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Self-harming behaviors in adolescents cause great suffering and can lead to considerable costs to the healthcare system. The aim of the current study was to investigate the cost of an integrated individual and family therapy (Intensive Contextual Treatment: ICT) and to compare the adolescent’s healthcare consumption 1 year before and 1 year after treatment.

Method

The study had a within group design with repeated measures. The clinical outcomes and the cost of ICT treatment are based on a sample of 49 participants who were previously enrolled in an intervention trial. Participants with significantly improved clinical outcomes (self-harm behavior, or general mental health symptoms) were defined as treatment responders. Calculation of changes in healthcare consumption is based on 25 participants who gave their consent to participate in a retrospective collection of healthcare data from medical records, including inpatient and outpatient care, and prescribed medication.

Results

The average estimated cost of ICT per person was €5293. There were no significant differences between the cost of healthcare consumption 1 year before and after ICT, but the results suggested that the adolescents consumed less inpatient and specialized care after treatment. There was a significantly higher cost of psychotropic medication after treatment explained by a higher consumption of central stimulants. Treatment responders (general mental health problems) reduced their consumption of healthcare resources significantly more than non-responders, especially regarding hospital visits and total health care costs.

Conclusions

Good response to the ICT in terms of improved general mental health symptoms seems to be associated with reduced healthcare consumption during the post-treatment period. However, controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed to draw causal conclusions. The results of this study should be interpreted with caution as it is based on a small sample and attrition rate was high.

Trial registration

This study has been registered with the ISRCTN: 15885573.

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Title: A pilot study of the impact of an integrated individual- and family therapy model for self-harming adolescents on overall healthcare consumption
Authors: Moa Bråthén Wijana
Inna Feldman
Richard Ssegonja
Pia Enebrink
Ata Ghaderi
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03375-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A pilot study of the impact of an integrated individual- and family therapy model for self-harming adolescents on overall healthcare consumption

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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