Healthcare Costs for People with Serious Mental Illness in England: An Analysis of Costs Across Primary Care, Hospital Care, and Specialist Mental Healthcare

Abstract

Background: Serious mental illness (SMI) is a set of disabling conditions associated with poor outcomes and high healthcare utilisation. However, little is known about patterns of utilisation and costs across sectors for people with SMI. Objective: The aim was to develop a costing methodology and estimate annual healthcare costs for people with SMI in England across primary and secondary care settings. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using linked administrative records from primary care, emergency departments, inpatient admissions, and community mental health services, covering financial years 2011/12–2013/14. Costs were calculated using bottom-up costing an..