Plain Language Summary

This research evaluates a digitally supported care management system designed to assist caregivers of individuals with dementia, comparing its cost-effectiveness to standard care. Nearly 1.8 million people in Germany live with dementia, and most receive support from informal caregivers, who often face significant stress and health risks. Understanding the financial efficiency of caregiver support programs is crucial for healthcare decision making, especially as caregiver burdens can lead to negative health outcomes and increased care costs.

The study involved 192 caregivers, split between those using the care management system and those receiving regular care over 6 months. Results indicated that caregivers using the system had slightly better quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), but the costs varied significantly based on perspective. From the public payers' view, the intervention appeared cost-effective, suggesting lower costs and better outcomes. However, from a broader societal perspective, the costs were higher due to informal care expenses, leading to questions about overall cost-effectiveness.

The findings emphasize the importance of considering both caregivers and the individuals they care for in these programs. A greater focus on the caregivers’ needs, alongside those of the patients, may enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions. The study suggests that while the digitally supported care management system has potential benefits for caregivers, longer-term studies are needed to fully assess its impact on their health and well-being.

Overall, this research is vital for patients, healthcare decision makers, and researchers, highlighting the need for integrated support systems that address the complexities of caregiving in dementia care. It underscores the challenge of balancing costs and benefits, inviting further investigation into the long-term advantages of such interventions.

^{Note: This content was created with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) and has been reviewed and edited by ISPOR staff. For more information or for inquiries on ISPOR’s AI policy, click here or contact us at info@ispor.org.}