Cost-Outcome Methods for Mental Health

Cost-Outcome Methods for Mental Health provides an overview of the choices and judgments used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of mental health treatment. It presents economic concepts of cost, discusses the various approaches to cost-outcome studies, and focuses on the way such studies apply to mental health. It is a practical guide rather than a theoretical treatment of cost-effectiveness analyses. Readers are guided through the process of designing cost-outcome studies; measuring costs, interventions, and outcomes; analyzing study results; and using findings to guide policy and practice. The book introduces readers who do not have a background in economics to apply economic methods of cost-outcome research, and prepares them for productive collaboration with economists in mental health services research.

Clearly explains key economic concepts for non-economistsIntegrates the presentation of both economic and clinical aspects of designProvides many examples of applications to mental health servicesAuthored by leading mental health services investigators

Cost-Outcome Research in Mental Health.
Special Design Issues in Cost-Outcome Research.
Concepts of Economic Cost.
Measuring Utilization.
Estimating Economic Cost.
Measuring Service Practice.
Measuring Mental Health Outcomes.
Aggregating Outcome Measures.
Analyzing Cost-Effectiveness.
Using Cost-Outcome Data to Guide Policy and Practice.
Bibliography.
Index.