[Calculation of Standardised Unit Costs in the Health and Social Care Sector for the Economic Evaluation of Mental Disorders - Results of the PECUNIA Project for Germany].

BACKGROUND

Current unit costs (UC) for mental health interventions in the German health and social care sector lack a harmonized methodology, making cross-country cost comparisons challenging.

METHODS

Twenty-three UCs were calculated based on the harmonized cost collection methods of the PECUNIA project. UC were calculated according to the pre-defined measurement parameters from the PECUNIA questionnaire by means of literature and internet research, or direct correspondence with stakeholders. If UC could not be identified, proxies were used. UCs were, if necessary, adjusted for inflation to 2025 using consumer price index.

RESULTS

UCs were calculated for hospital, general practitioner, specialist, diagnostic imaging, dentist, informal care, ambulance, medical on-call service, emergency room, holistic health care, hospice, nursing home, assisted living, therapeutic living group, social worker, therapeutic day center, worry phone, online psychological support, vocational training, day support centers / workshop, inclusion company and company integration measure.

DISCUSSION &

CONCLUSION

Calculated UCs using the PECUNIA methodology allow international comparison of resource use in health and social care sector. The UCs update and complement the UCs for mental health in Germany published in 2017.