Cost-effectiveness of an internet-delivered treatment for substance abuse: Data from a multisite randomized controlled trial

Sean M. Murphy, Aimee N.C. Campbell, Udi E. Ghitza, Tiffany L. Kyle, Genie L. Bailey, Edward V. Nunes, Daniel Polsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Substance misuse and excessive alcohol consumption are major public health issues. Internet-based interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) are a relatively new method for addressing barriers to access and supplementing existing care. This study examines cost-effectiveness in a multisite, randomized trial of an internet-based version of the community reinforcement approach (CRA) with contingency management (CM) known as the Therapeutic Education System (TES). Methods: Economic evaluation of the 12-week trial with follow-up at 24 and 36 weeks. 507 individuals who were seeking therapy for alcohol or other substance use disorders at 10 outpatient community-based treatment programs were recruited and randomized to either treatment as usual (TAU) or TES + TAU. Sub-analyses were completed on participants with a poorer prognosis (i.e., those not abstinent at study entry). Results: From the provider's perspective, TES + TAU as it was implemented in this study costs $278 (SE = 87) more than TAU alone after 12 weeks. The quality-adjusted life years gained by TES + TAU and TAU were similar; however, TES + TAU has at least a 95% chance of being considered cost-effective for providers and payers with willingness-to-pay thresholds as low as $20,000 per abstinent year. Findings for the subgroup not abstinent at study entry are slightly more favorable. Conclusions: With regard to the clinical outcome of abstinence, our cost-effectiveness findings of TES + TAU compare favorably to those found elsewhere in the CM literature. The analyses performed here serve as an initial economic framework for future studies integrating technology into SUD therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-126
Number of pages8
JournalDrug and alcohol dependence
Volume161
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Community reinforcement approach
  • Contingency management
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Internet-based intervention
  • Substance use disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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