A cost analysis of a peer support-driven intervention for substance use disorders

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Peer recovery support services (PRSS) enhance engagement and retention for substance use disorders (SUDs).
• Limited data exists on the economic effectiveness and implementation costs of PRSS.
• Understanding costs is crucial for replicating successful PRSS models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation costs of the STTEP program, a PRSS model for SUDs.
• To identify strategies for improving the efficiency and reducing the costs of PRSS implementation.
• To inform future replication efforts of similar interventions.

Main Methods:

• Cost data collection for the STTEP program from 11/2022 to 11/2023.
• Utilized the Drug Abuse Treatment Cost Analysis Program for comprehensive cost assessment.
• Extrapolated potential costs and conducted sensitivity analyses on key variables.

Main Results:

• The STTEP program's annual cost was $256,150.10 (average $3,201.88 per participant).
• Personnel costs constituted the majority (91.42%) of the total expenses.
• An optimized program could operate at $117,043.70 annually (average $1,463.05 per participant).

Conclusions:

• Expanding peer support worker (PSW) responsibilities can increase efficiency.
• Reducing PSW turnover and participant no-show rates significantly lowers PRSS costs.
• These strategies can enhance the economic viability of PRSS for SUD treatment.