Pilot Study of the Cost-Effectiveness of Youth F-ACT in the Netherlands

Mental healthcare costs are rising. Community-based interventions often are being implemented without sufficient evidence for the effectiveness in terms of care and cost. In this pilot study, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (F-ACT) compared to treatment as usual (TAU). In total 28 adolescents (12-18 years) participated in F-ACT (N = 13) and TAU (N = 15). The outcome measures were the percentage of adolescents with a significant improvement in quality of life and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Costs were measured using a retrospective cost-questionnaire. Outcomes were assessed at the start and after three months of care. Compared to TAU, F-ACT resulted in a significantly higher quality of life as reported by adolescents. There was no significant difference in quality of life reported by the parents. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) demonstrated that youth F-ACT is more effective but with higher costs. This study may help to make evidence-based decisions in terms of who benefits the most from youth F-ACT interventions.