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Updated: Sep 6, 2025
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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
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Cost-effectiveness of three internet-based interventions for eating disorders: A randomized controlled trial
Pieter J Rohrbach1,2, Alexandra E Dingemans1, Eric F van Furth1,2
1GGZ Rivierduinen Eetstoornissen Ursula, Leiden, Netherlands.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 24, 2022
Summary
The online self-help program Featback was cost-effective for treating eating disorders, showing potential to reduce healthcare costs and reach more patients. This internet-based intervention may benefit individuals and society by offering accessible and affordable care.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Health Economics
- Digital Health
Background:
- Eating disorders affect individuals of all ages, with many not receiving adequate treatment.
- Internet-based interventions offer a scalable solution to increase treatment accessibility.
- Economic evaluations are crucial for understanding the value of digital health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of an internet-based self-help program (Featback) compared to expert-patient support and usual care for eating disorders.
- To evaluate the societal costs and quality-of-life adjusted life years (QALYs) of different intervention strategies.
- To determine the probability of cost-effectiveness for each intervention at various willingness-to-pay thresholds.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with 4 arms: Featback (unguided online self-help), expert-patient support, Featback plus support, and care-as-usual.
- Societal economic evaluation alongside the trial, measuring costs and QALYs over 12 months.
- Analysis included cost-utility acceptability curves to assess the probability of cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in QALYs or costs were found between groups, though Featback conditions showed a slight QALY advantage.
- The Featback-only condition incurred the lowest societal costs (€16,741) compared to care-as-usual (€28,479).
- Featback-only demonstrated the highest probability of being cost-effective across all willingness-to-pay values.
Conclusions:
- Internet-based interventions like Featback are likely cost-effective for eating disorders.
- Scalable digital health solutions can potentially reduce healthcare costs and reach underserved populations.
- Implementing Featback may offer significant benefits to both individuals with eating disorders and society.
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