[Strengthening treatment options in the care of mentally ill patients through flexible and integrated treatment for patient-centered care with a global budget - final results from the EVA64 study].

OBJECTIVE

18 flexible and integrated treatment programs (model projects) were evaluated.

METHODS

In the quasi-experimental controlled cohort study EVA64 inpatient treatment days, sick leave days and further outcomes were examined using statutory health insurance data. The overall estimators of the meta-analyses across all model projects were calculated.

RESULTS

69,711 patients were analyzed (including 6,726 children). Adults in model projects had 4.5 fewer inpatient days in the first year (95% CI: -6.8; -2.3 days). There were no significant differences in sick leave days (-1.2 days; 95% CI: -7.2; 4.9 days). The days in daycare and outpatient contacts, as well as treatment continuity, increased more in model projects (adults).

CONCLUSIONS

Model care can reduce the number of inpatient days for adults and make treatment more flexible in favor of non-inpatient services.