Considerations for Cost Assessment of Implementing Family Healthy Weight Programs Across Community and Clinical...

Cost is a critical consideration when implementing evidence-based family healthy weight programs (FHWPs). However, real-world implementation cost data are often underreported, and standardized methods for accurate cost collection are lacking. This article synthesizes the implementation costing approaches used across five FHWPs to inform future adopters and implementers by illustrating context-appropriate costing methods and identifying practical considerations for cost data collection and reporting.

We descriptively report and compare the implementation strategies and associated cost assessment methods across five projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD 3.0) program. CORD 3.0 aimed to package FHWPs for implementation in health care, community, or public health settings. Costing approach information was organized and abstracted using a published checklist.

Despite variation in program models and settings, several common costing approaches emerged. All projects used direct measurement methods (e.g., activity-based or micro-costing) and categorized costs consistently (e.g., labor, supplies, space, information technology) to support decision-making and improve comparability. Several projects applied structured frameworks to guide costing efforts and distinguished between fixed, one-time costs (e.g., training development) and variable, recurring costs (e.g., session delivery, supervision). These patterns highlight a balance of methodological consistency and adaptability across diverse contexts.

This study provides an overview of approaches to assessing FHWP implementation costs within the CDC's CORD 3.0 initiative. Applying structured frameworks and practical tools, these projects demonstrate how cost assessments can guide strategic planning, reimbursement, and sustainability-laying groundwork for improved cost reporting and integration in future FHWP dissemination and implementation.