Abstract
BACKGROUND:
In line with the NICE guidance, an NHS-commissioned case management intervention was provided for individuals receiving Incapacity Benefit payments for ≥3 years in the North East of England. The intervention aimed to improve the health of the participants.
METHODS:
A total of 131 participants receiving the intervention were compared over 9 months with a (non-equivalent) comparison group of 229 receiving Incapacity Benefit payments and usual care. Health was measured using EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, SF-8, HADS and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire. Socio-demographic and health behaviour data were also collected. Fixed-effects linear models with correlated errors were used to compare health changes between groups over time. A preliminary cost-utility analysis was also conducted.
RESULTS:
The comparison group measures of health were stable over time. Starting from comparatively poor initial levels, case-management group generic (EQ5D, EQ-VAS) and mental health (HADS-A, HADS-D and SF8-MCS) measures improved within 6 months to similar levels found in the comparison group. Musculoskeletal (Nordic 2) and health behaviours did not improve. Tentative estimates of cost-utility suggest an intervention cost in the region of £16 700-£23 500 per QALY.
CONCLUSIONS:
Case management interventions may improve the health of Incapacity Benefit recipients. Further research is required to help confirm these pilot findings.
In line with the NICE guidance, an NHS-commissioned case management intervention was provided for individuals receiving Incapacity Benefit payments for ≥3 years in the North East of England. The intervention aimed to improve the health of the participants.
METHODS:
A total of 131 participants receiving the intervention were compared over 9 months with a (non-equivalent) comparison group of 229 receiving Incapacity Benefit payments and usual care. Health was measured using EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, SF-8, HADS and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire. Socio-demographic and health behaviour data were also collected. Fixed-effects linear models with correlated errors were used to compare health changes between groups over time. A preliminary cost-utility analysis was also conducted.
RESULTS:
The comparison group measures of health were stable over time. Starting from comparatively poor initial levels, case-management group generic (EQ5D, EQ-VAS) and mental health (HADS-A, HADS-D and SF8-MCS) measures improved within 6 months to similar levels found in the comparison group. Musculoskeletal (Nordic 2) and health behaviours did not improve. Tentative estimates of cost-utility suggest an intervention cost in the region of £16 700-£23 500 per QALY.
CONCLUSIONS:
Case management interventions may improve the health of Incapacity Benefit recipients. Further research is required to help confirm these pilot findings.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 117-25 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Public Health |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jan 2013 |
