Cost Analysis of Youth Violence Prevention

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT:Violence is a leading cause of death. The emergency department (ED) can prevent violence through proven interventions; however, these interventions are not broadly implemented. There is little evidence to inform decision-makers of the costs associated with preventing violence. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:We report the costs of a brief violence prevention intervention in the ED. We highlight the economic impact of implementation, showing that brief interventions in the ED are an inexpensive way the health care system can prevent violence in adolescents. abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Effective violence interventions are not widely implemented, and there is little information about the cost of violence interventions. Our goal is to report the cost of a brief intervention delivered in the emergency department that reduces violence among 14-to 18-year-olds.METHODS: Primary outcomes were total costs of implementation and the cost per violent event or violence consequence averted. We used primary and secondary data sources to derive the costs to implement a brief motivational interviewing intervention and to identify the number of self-reported violent events (eg, severe peer aggression, peer victimization) or violence consequences averted. One-way and multiway sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS:Total fixed and variable annual costs were estimated at $71 784. If implemented, 4208 violent events or consequences could be prevented, costing $17.06 per event or consequence averted. Multiway sensitivity analysis accounting for variable intervention efficacy and different cost estimates resulted in a range of $3.63 to $54.96 per event or consequence averted.CONCLUSIONS: Our estimates show that the cost to prevent an episode of youth violence or its consequences is less than the cost of placing an intravenous line and should not present a significant barrier to implementation. Pediatrics 2014;133:448-453

Cost−Benefit Analysis Simulation of a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program

“…[1][2][3][4] Although numerous program models have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing violence, 5 their sustainability hinges on their cost-effectiveness. 6 Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are one promising strategy to prevent interpersonal violence.…”

Prior Emergency Department Utilization as a Predictor for Severe Penetrating Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…38 A later cost analysis of this trial's intervention estimated the cost ranged from $3.63 to $54.96 per event averted. 39 Our study indicates a continued need to adopt, evaluate, and improve ED-based violence prevention programs.…”

Economic Evaluation of an Intervention to Prevent Adolescent Dating Violence (Me & You)

“…A recent paper that analyzed the budgetary impact from the payer perspective of implementing two programs comparable to ours, Dating Matters ® and Safe Dates-CDC-developed comprehensive adolescent DV prevention models also aimed at high-risk, urban, minority middle-school youth-found an average cost of $145.40 and $44.81 per student, respectively. (Luo et al,202 ) Using a cost per averted events framework like ours, Sharp et al (2014) evaluated an emergency department (ED)-based program designed to prevent violence among at-risk youth aged 14-18 and found similar results ($3.63-$54.96 per event averted) (Sharp et al, 2014). Dopp et al (2020) showed that a multisite community-based intervention for problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) in 13-14 year-olds was cost-effective under most scenarios, though the program cost considerably more per participant ($1772 per 1 standard deviation change in PSB) (Dopp et al, 2020).…”