Protocol for the economic evaluation of a complex intervention to improve the mental health of maltreated infants and children in foster care in the UK (The BeST? services trial).

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Children who have experienced abuse and neglect are at increased risk of mental and physical health problems throughout life. This places an enormous burden on individuals, families and society in terms of health services, education, social care and judiciary sectors. Evidence suggests that early intervention can mitigate the negative consequences of child maltreatment, exerting long-term positive effects on the health of maltreated children entering foster care. However, evidence on cost-effectiveness of such complex interventions is limited. This protocol describes the first economic evaluation of its kind in the UK.

Methods and analysis

An economic evaluation alongside the Best Services Trial (BeST?) has been prospectively designed to identify, measure and va

SUBMITTER: Deidda M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5857651 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature