Cost effectiveness of telecare management for pain and depression in patients with cancer: results from a randomized trial

ObjectivePain and depression are prevalent and treatable symptoms among patients with cancer, yet they are often undetected and undertreated. The Indiana Cancer Pain and Depression (INCPAD) trial demonstrated that telecare management can improve pain and depression outcomes. This article investigates the incremental cost effectiveness of the INCPAD intervention.MethodsThe INCPAD trial was conducted in 16 community-based urban and rural oncology practices in Indiana. Of the 405 participants, 202 were randomized to the intervention group and 203 to the usual-care group. Intervention costs were determined, and effectiveness outcomes were depression-free days and quality-adjusted life years.ResultsThe intervention group was associated with a yearly increase of 60.3 depression-free days (S.E.=15.4; P