[Efficacy and cost effectiveness of case management in patients with dementia]

Abstract

Background: The aim of the project was to evaluate case management for patients suffering from dementia in order to improve the quality of care and offer patients a chance to stay at home for a longer time.

Methods: The evaluation was prospective with a follow-up of 12 months. Data regarding efficacy and costs were taken from one local and three supraregional health insurance funds. Primary outcome was time remaining at home.

Results: Time remaining at home was 16.1 months with a mean of 12.2 months (p=0.02) in the control group. Regarding cost effectiveness, an additional month remaining at home costs between 41 and 53 EUR.

Conclusion: Regarding time remaining at home, institutionalization and all-cause death, data indicate that case management seems to be an effective intervention in patients with dementia; however, further evaluations with a major number of observed patients and longer follow-up are necessary.