Cost-Effectiveness of Online Mental Health Screening After Disasters
Author Information
Author(s): Francesco de Gara, William T. Gallo, Jonathan I. Bisson, Jerome Endrass, Stefan Vetter
Primary Institution: Centre for Disaster and Military Psychiatry, University of Zurich
Hypothesis
Can online self-evaluation tests for mental health improve cost-effectiveness in post-disaster scenarios?
Conclusion
Using online psychometric screening can help identify individuals at risk for PTSD, potentially reducing treatment costs and improving public health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Early screening for psychological illness can reduce long-term treatment costs.
- Investment in online screening tools can yield significant future cost savings.
- Identifying individuals at risk for PTSD can help prevent economic burdens on public health systems.
Takeaway
This study shows that using online tests to check for mental health issues after disasters can save money and help people get better faster.
Methodology
The study uses a theoretical model based on cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of online screening tools for mental health.
Potential Biases
There is a risk that individuals who are not psychologically ill may still participate in the screening, leading to unnecessary costs.
Limitations
The model assumes 100% reliability of the screening tests and does not account for natural resolution of symptoms without intervention.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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