Comprehensive and Non-pharmacological Care Key to Reducing Costs Associated With Schizophrenia

A recent study aimed at analyzing the costs of inpatient care of patients with schizophrenia in Germany found that comprehensive and innovative treatment may lead to significant savings of costs associated with the disorder.

The study, conducted in Kiel, Germany by Zaprutko et al, analyzed hospital records from 50 patients (27 women and 23 men) treated for schizophrenia between January 2012 and June 2013 (average hospital stay was 51.02 days). Patients were treated with both neuroleptics and comprehensive non-pharmacological intervention. Of the 50 patients included in the study, 46 received combination therapy. Of those 46 patients, 38 were treated with between 2 and 5 drugs and 8 patients were treated with between 6 and 10 drugs.

Zaprutko et al also noted that of the 50 patients involved in the study, 34 had 0-3 previous hospitalizations, 13 had 4-7 hospitalizations, and 3 had more than 7.

Cost of care was calculated by multiplying the duration of the patient’s hospital stay by the cost of procedure per day and included hospital stay, pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological care, and diagnostic tests. The total cost of care for all 50 patients was EURO 604, 280.90.

The researchers concluded that while investing in innovative pharmacotherapy will increase total cost initially, significant savings are possible in the long-run. They found that the use of depot antipsychotic therapy may lead to less hospitalization rates, but treatment should be individually tailored and depot antipsychotics should not be administered if other medicines are effective.

The study also highlighted how non-pharmacological care results in better compliance, helps patients cope better with the disorder and, consequently, decreases the costs owing to less frequent and shorter inpatient stays.

Reference: Zaprutko T, Göder R, Kus K, et al. Cost of inpatient care of schizophrenia and treatment schedules used in German academic center: Kiel. Psychiatr Q. 2015 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print]