Business case for psychosocial interventions in clinics: potential for decrease in treatment discontinuation and costs

Research question

From a value-based healthcare (VBHC) perspective, does an assessment of clinical outcomes and intervention costs indicate that providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness to women seeking fertility treatment add value compared with no such intervention?

Design

Proof-of-concept business case based on a VBHC perspective that considers clinical outcomes and costs. Potential effects on psychological and fertility outcomes were based on existing research. Cost outcomes were estimated with a costing model for the Dutch fertility treatment setting.

Results

Thirty-two studies were identified; 13 were included. Women who received CBT had 12% lower anxiety, 40% lower depression and 6% higher fertility quality of life; difference in clinical pregnancy rates was six percentage points (CBT [30.2%]; control [24.2%]); difference in fertility discontinuation rates was 10 percentage points (CBT [5.5%]; control [15.2%]). Women who received training in mindfulness had 8% lower anxiety, 45% lower depression and 21% higher fertility quality of life; difference in mean clinical pregnancy rate was 19 percentage points (mindfulness [44.8%]; control [26.0%]). Potential total cost savings was about €1.2 million per year if CBT was provided and €11 million if mindfulness was provided. Corresponding return on investment for CBT was 30.7%, and for mindfulness 288%. Potential cost benefits are influenced by the assumed clinical pregnancy rates; such data related to mindfulness were limited to one study.

Conclusions

The provision of CBT or mindfulness to women seeking fertility treatment could add value. Higher quality primary studies are needed on the effect of mindfulness on clinical pregnancy rates.