Cost-effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with cardiovascular disease and depressive symptoms: secondary analysis of an RCT

Introduction Cost-effectiveness evaluations of psychological interventions, such as internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) programmes, in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are rare. We recently reported moderate to large effect sizes on depressive symptoms in CVD outpatients following a 9-week iCBT programme compared with an online discussion forum (ODF), in favour of iCBT. In this paper, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention. Methods Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomised controlled trial. The EQ-5D-3L was used to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Data on healthcare costs were retrieved from healthcare registries. Results At 12-month follow-up, the QALY was significantly higher in iCBT compared with the ODF group (0.713 vs 0.598, p=0.007). The mean difference of 0.115 corresponds with 42 extra days in best imaginable health status in favour of the iCBT group over the course of 1 year. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for iCBT versus ODF was euro18 865 per QALY saved. The cost-effectiveness plane indicated that iCBT is a cheaper and more effective intervention in 24.5% of the cases, and in 75% a costlier and more effective intervention than ODF. Only in about 0.5% of the cases, there was an indication of a costlier, but less effective intervention compared with ODF. Conclusions The ICER of euro18 865 was lower than the cost-effectiveness threshold range of euro23 400-euro35 100 as proposed by the NICE guidelines, suggesting that the iCBT treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with CVD is cost-effective.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of psychological interventions, specifically internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT), in patients with cardiovascular disease. The results showed that iCBT is a cost-effective intervention for treating depressive symptoms in this population, with a lower incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) compared to the suggested threshold range.