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Table 2 Direct and indirect cost estimations for implementation studies

From: Cost analysis in implementation studies of evidence-based practices for mental health and substance use disorders: a systematic review

Cost type

Definition

Examples of measurements

Direct costs of implementation

Direct costs incurred as a result of EBP implementation including training of staff, purchasing of manuals/instruction aids, travel expenses, meeting, calls, data collection and management, site visits, supervision

Hours/minutes on implementation-related activity*(Base salary per hour/min + Fringe/benefit) + Travel (Airfare, hotel, ground transportation)

Direct service costs

Direct costs of billable healthcare and other related services as a result of implementation activity

Claims data analyzed for services related to specific population in EBP

Indirect costs of implementation

Lost time spent on implementation activities rather than usual clinical/professional activities

Time spent on implementation activities* hourly direct cost rate for normal billable activity;

Indirect costs are classified as on-going (regular meetings) as well as one-time events (trainings)