Scholarlink

<p>Mental health disorders, particularly F20–F29 (schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders) and F30–F39 (mood [affective] disorders), pose a growing burden on Slovakia’s healthcare system. This study analyzed retrospective data from 2015 to 2019 to assess associated costs and projected trends for 2020–2030 under three scenarios: linear, expert, and progressive. The findings emphasize the inadequacy of current mental health care funding and highlight the potential benefits of expanding and adequately funding Psychiatric Day Hospitals (PDHs). Between 2015 and 2019, diagnostic and inpatient care costs increased, reflecting a global trend. However, treatment costs slightly declined, likely due to a significant treatment gap, with up to 67% of individuals with depressive disorders receiving no care. Slovakia’s underdeveloped network of mental health care facilities and inadequate funding contribute to delayed diagnoses and limited access, particularly in underserved regions. The current reimbursement rate for PDHs, 13.44 EUR per place/day, falls short of the 55 EUR required to meet staffing and operational standards. Cost projections reveal escalating financial pressures, with direct medical costs predicted to increase by 43% (Linear), 370% (Expert), and 206% (Progressive) by 2030 compared to 2019. Social support costs are also expected to rise substantially under the Expert and Progressive scenarios. In response, this study advocates for investing €40.7&#xa0;M over 10&#xa0;years to expand Slovakia’s PDH network. Such investment would reduce direct medical and social support costs, improve access to care, and enhance patient outcomes. The calculated benefit-to-cost ratios—1.06 (Linear), 26.40 (Expert), and 13.73 (Progressive)—demonstrate the economic viability of PDHs. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted funding and policy reforms to address the growing burden of mental health disorders in Slovakia, ensure equitable access to care, and support sustainable health system improvements.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Breaking the Mental Health Treatment Gap: Economic Benefits and Power of Expanding Psychiatric Day Care in Slovakia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月12日

查看全文
  • Robert Babela,
  • Dagmar Breznoscakova,
  • Lubomira Izakova

摘要

Mental health disorders, particularly F20–F29 (schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders) and F30–F39 (mood [affective] disorders), pose a growing burden on Slovakia’s healthcare system. This study analyzed retrospective data from 2015 to 2019 to assess associated costs and projected trends for 2020–2030 under three scenarios: linear, expert, and progressive. The findings emphasize the inadequacy of current mental health care funding and highlight the potential benefits of expanding and adequately funding Psychiatric Day Hospitals (PDHs). Between 2015 and 2019, diagnostic and inpatient care costs increased, reflecting a global trend. However, treatment costs slightly declined, likely due to a significant treatment gap, with up to 67% of individuals with depressive disorders receiving no care. Slovakia’s underdeveloped network of mental health care facilities and inadequate funding contribute to delayed diagnoses and limited access, particularly in underserved regions. The current reimbursement rate for PDHs, 13.44 EUR per place/day, falls short of the 55 EUR required to meet staffing and operational standards. Cost projections reveal escalating financial pressures, with direct medical costs predicted to increase by 43% (Linear), 370% (Expert), and 206% (Progressive) by 2030 compared to 2019. Social support costs are also expected to rise substantially under the Expert and Progressive scenarios. In response, this study advocates for investing €40.7 M over 10 years to expand Slovakia’s PDH network. Such investment would reduce direct medical and social support costs, improve access to care, and enhance patient outcomes. The calculated benefit-to-cost ratios—1.06 (Linear), 26.40 (Expert), and 13.73 (Progressive)—demonstrate the economic viability of PDHs. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted funding and policy reforms to address the growing burden of mental health disorders in Slovakia, ensure equitable access to care, and support sustainable health system improvements.