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Rachael Hunter Department Webinar 30th September, 1pm.
Abstract:
People in prison experience a range of physical and mental health inequalities. Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of prison based interventions to address these inequalities presents a number of methodological challenges. This talk will present a case study of an economic evaluation of a prison based intervention to address common mental health problems, Engager, compared to usual care. I report the results of a cost-utility analysis of 280 trial participants recruited from prisons in England, randomised to Engager plus usual care or usual care and followed up for 12 months following release from prison. Given the complexity of potential outcomes and wide range of stakeholders the results of a cost-consequences analysis covering health care, criminal justice, productivity and local government is also reported. Engager provides a rare example of a cost-utility analysis conducted in prisons using patient completed measures. Although there was no evidence that Engager is cost-effective, the results of the cost-consequences analysis suggest that follow-up beyond 12 months post release using routine data may provide additional insights into the effectiveness of the intervention.