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Allocation of resources and psychosis
Amanda L Neil1, Terry J Lewin, Vaughan J Carr
1Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|January 22, 2003
Summary
Australian mental health spending on psychosis shows inefficiencies. Prioritizing treatment efficiency and evidence-based interventions, rather than disease burden, is crucial for better resource allocation and improved outcomes in psychosis care.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Economics
- Psychiatric Services Research
- Health Policy Analysis
Background:
- Current expenditure on psychosis in Australia presents significant inefficiencies.
- Discretionary spending within mental health services offers potential for improved resource allocation.
- Understanding factors influencing resource allocation and intervention selection is key to optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current expenditure on psychosis in Australia.
- To identify areas of discretionary expenditure for more efficient use.
- To discuss factors influencing resource allocation and intervention selection, and propose priorities for change.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cost-of-illness findings from the Low Prevalence Disorders Study (LPDS).
- Analyzed related service use and psychosocial data to identify expenditure patterns and resource allocation issues.
- Presented arguments for prioritizing treatment efficiency, equity, and humanitarian considerations in mental health resource allocation over global burden of disease.
Main Results:
- Identified imbalances in psychosis service use and expenditure, including over-reliance on hospitalization.
- Noted low levels of supported community accommodation and inadequate provision of evidence-based psychosocial treatments, rehabilitation, and supported employment.
- Highlighted limitations in the evidence base regarding the effectiveness and costs of individual treatments, programs, and organizational structures.
Conclusions:
- There is a need to identify and develop efficient interventions and programs for psychosis care.
- Services require re-orientation to better utilize effective interventions.
- Improved community awareness, outcome and cost monitoring, and timely evaluations are essential for optimizing psychosis care from individual to societal levels.