Cost-Effectiveness Model of a Community-Based Service for Dementia Caregivers

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of a psycho-educational concept for dementia caregivers with standard care. Methods: A literature search determined the data for the cost-effectiveness model concerning the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs. The parameters were evaluated using a decision tree. The evaluation of the base case analysis concerning stability was carried out using sensitivity analysis and a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Results: After the implementation of the psycho-educational concept for caregivers a saving of (sic) 750 was made and a 0.07 QALY was gained over a one-year time horizon. The results of the sensitivity analysis proved to be stable. Conclusions: By using the community-based service, costs can be saved and QALYs of the caregivers can be gained. This results in a decrease of depressive symptoms among caregivers and in a delay of institutionalisation of the dementia patient.