Measuring Costs to Community-Based Agencies for Implementation of an Evidence-Based Practice

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2017 Jan;44(1):122-134. doi: 10.1007/s11414-016-9541-8.

Abstract

Healthcare reform has led to an increase in dissemination of evidence-based practices. Cost is frequently cited as a significant yet rarely studied barrier to dissemination of evidence-based practices and the associated improvements in quality of care. This study describes an approach to measuring the incremental, unreimbursed costs in staff time and direct costs to community-based clinics implementing an evidence-based practice through participating in a learning collaborative. Initial implementation costs exceeding those for providing "treatment as usual" were collected for ten clinics implementing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy through participation in 10-month learning collaboratives. Incremental implementation costs of these ten community-based clinic teams averaged the equivalent of US$89,575 (US$ 2012). The most costly activities were training, supervision, preparation time, and implementation team meetings. Recommendations are made for further research on implementation costs, dissemination of evidence-based practices, and implications for researchers and policy makers.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Facilities / economics*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Evidence-Based Practice / economics*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Wounds and Injuries / psychology