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Hulse ESG, Atun R, McPake B, Lee JT. Use of social impact bonds in financing health systems responses to non-communicable diseases: scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004127. [PMID: 33674267 PMCID: PMC7938989 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an interest to understand how social impact bonds (SIBs), a type of innovative financing instrument used in impact investment, can be used to finance the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This is the first scoping review that explores the evidence of SIBs for NCDs and their key characteristics and performance. The review used both published and grey literature from eight databases (MEDLINE, NCBI, Elsevier, Cochrane Library, Google, Google Scholar, WHO publications and OECD iLibrary). A total of 83 studies and articles were eligible for inclusion, identifying 11 SIBs implemented in eight countries. The shared characteristics of the SIBs used for NCDs were impact investment companies as investors, local governments as outcome payers, not-for-profit service providers and an average US$2 015 456 private initial investment. The review revealed a lack of empirical evidence on SIBs for NCDs. Conflict of interest and lack of public disclosure were common issues in both the published and grey literature on SIBs. Furthermore, only three SIBs implemented for financing NCDs were meeting all their target outcomes. The common characteristics of the SIBs meeting their target outcomes were evidence-based interventions, multiple service providers and an intermediated structure. Overall, there is a need for more high-quality studies, particularly economic evaluations and qualitative studies on the benefits to target populations, and greater transparency from the private sector, in order to ensure improved SIBs for preventing NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Susannah Grace Hulse
- Health Economics Unit, The University of Melbourne Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rifat Atun
- School of Public Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barbara McPake
- The Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Tayu Lee
- The Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Imperial College London Department of Primary Care and Public Health, London, UK
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2
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Crowley M, Green L, Scott T, Long E. Behavioral health policy for improving population health and wellbeing: opportunities for investment in evidence-based policymaking. Transl Behav Med 2020; 10:590-597. [PMID: 32766873 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The high cost of behavioral health problems across the population continues to highlight the need to integrate high-quality behavioral interventions across a variety of service settings. To successfully achieve such a system-wide transformation will require supporting federal policies that invest in sustainable high-quality services. To support these efforts we provide a mixed-method study of all federal mental health legislation over the last three decades. Results indicate that mental and behavioral health policies have grown. Further, specific characteristics that comprise bills that are successfully enacted into law are identified. Finally, opportunities for the field to engage with policymakers to support widespread integration of behavioral health services are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Crowley
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Lawrie Green
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Taylor Scott
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Long
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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Jones DE, Bierman KL, Crowley DM, Welsh JA, Gest J. Important issues in estimating costs of early childhood educational interventions: An example from the REDI Program. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2019; 107:104498. [PMID: 31866702 PMCID: PMC6924610 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood education (ECE) interventions hold great promise for not only improving lives but also for potentially producing an economic return on investment linked to key outcomes from program effectiveness. Assessment of economic impact relies on accurate estimates of program costs that should be derived consistently to enable program comparability across the field. This is challenged by a lack of understanding of the best approach to determine program costs that represent how they will occur in the real world and how they may vary across differing circumstances. Thorough and accurate cost analyses are vital for providing important information toward future implementations and for enabling analysis of potential return on investment. In this paper, we present five key issues most relevant to cost analysis for ECE programs that interventionists should acknowledge when estimating their programs' costs. Attention to these issues more broadly can lead to comprehensive and thorough cost estimates and potentially increase consistency in cost analyses. These issues are illustrated within the cost analysis of REDI (Research-based, Developmentally Informed), an enrichment program that seeks to extend the benefits of preschool through enhanced classroom and home visiting services. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
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Crowley DM, Dodge KA, Barnett WS, Corso P, Duffy S, Graham P, Greenberg M, Haskins R, Hill L, Jones DE, Karoly LA, Kuklinski MR, Plotnick R. Standards of Evidence for Conducting and Reporting Economic Evaluations in Prevention Science. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2018; 19:366-390. [PMID: 29435786 PMCID: PMC5869868 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-017-0858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Over a decade ago, the Society for Prevention Research endorsed the first standards of evidence for research in preventive interventions. The growing recognition of the need to use limited resources to make sound investments in prevention led the Board of Directors to charge a new task force to set standards for research in analysis of the economic impact of preventive interventions. This article reports the findings of this group's deliberations, proposes standards for economic analyses, and identifies opportunities for future prevention science. Through examples, policymakers' need and use of economic analysis are described. Standards are proposed for framing economic analysis, estimating costs of prevention programs, estimating benefits of prevention programs, implementing summary metrics, handling uncertainty in estimates, and reporting findings. Topics for research in economic analysis are identified. The SPR Board of Directors endorses the "Standards of Evidence for Conducting and Reporting Economic Evaluations in Prevention Science."
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Affiliation(s)
- D Max Crowley
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Duffy
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, North Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Mark Greenberg
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | | | - Laura Hill
- Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Damon E Jones
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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Katz AS, Brisbois B, Zerger S, Hwang SW. Social Impact Bonds as a Funding Method for Health and Social Programs: Potential Areas of Concern. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:210-215. [PMID: 29267055 PMCID: PMC5846579 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.304157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) represent a new way to finance social service and health promotion programs whereby different types of investors provide an upfront investment of capital. If a given program meets predetermined criteria for a successful outcome, the government pays back investors with interest. Introduced in the United Kingdom in 2010, SIBs have since been implemented in the United States and across Europe, with some uptake in other jurisdictions. We identify and explore selected areas of concern related to SIBs, drawing from literature examining market-based reforms to health and social services and the evolution of the SIB funding mechanism. These areas of concern include increased costs to governments, restricted program scope, fragmented policymaking, undermining of public-sector service provision, mischaracterization of the root causes of social problems, and entrenchment of systemically produced vulnerabilities. We argue that it is essential to consider the long-term, aggregate, and contextualized effects of SIBs in order to evaluate their potential to contribute to public health. We conclude that such evaluations must explore the assumptions underlying the "common sense" arguments often used in support of SIBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Katz
- Amy S. Katz is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Benjamin Brisbois is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Healthier Cities and Communities Hub, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Suzanne Zerger is with the Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto. Stephen W. Hwang is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | - Benjamin Brisbois
- Amy S. Katz is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Benjamin Brisbois is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Healthier Cities and Communities Hub, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Suzanne Zerger is with the Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto. Stephen W. Hwang is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | - Suzanne Zerger
- Amy S. Katz is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Benjamin Brisbois is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Healthier Cities and Communities Hub, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Suzanne Zerger is with the Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto. Stephen W. Hwang is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
| | - Stephen W Hwang
- Amy S. Katz is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Benjamin Brisbois is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Healthier Cities and Communities Hub, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Suzanne Zerger is with the Provincial System Support Program, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto. Stephen W. Hwang is with the Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
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Crowley M, Jones D. Valuing Our Communities: Ethical Considerations for Economic Evaluation of Community-Based Prevention. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 60:309-315. [PMID: 29154476 PMCID: PMC5729092 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Restricted public budgets and increasing efforts to link the impact of community interventions to public savings have increased the use of economic evaluation. While this type of evaluation can be important for program planning, it also raises important ethical issues about how we value the time of local stakeholders who support community interventions. In particular, researchers navigate issues of scientific accuracy, institutional inequality, and research utility in their pursuit of even basic cost estimates. We provide an example of how we confronted these issues when estimating the costs of a large-scale community-based intervention. Principles for valuing community members' time and conducting economic evaluations of community programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Crowley
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- Prevention Economics Planning & Research Network, State College, PA, USA
| | - Damon Jones
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- Prevention Economics Planning & Research Network, State College, PA, USA
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Till BM, Peters AW, Afshar S, Meara JG, Meara J. From blockchain technology to global health equity: can cryptocurrencies finance universal health coverage? BMJ Glob Health 2017; 2:e000570. [PMID: 29177101 PMCID: PMC5687531 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies could remake global health financing and usher in an era global health equity and universal health coverage. We outline and provide examples for at least four important ways in which this potential disruption of traditional global health funding mechanisms could occur: universal access to financing through direct transactions without third parties; novel new multilateral financing mechanisms; increased security and reduced fraud and corruption; and the opportunity for open markets for healthcare data that drive discovery and innovation. We see these issues as a paramount to the delivery of healthcare worldwide and relevant for payers and providers of healthcare at state, national and global levels; for government and non-governmental organisations; and for global aid organisations, including the WHO, International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Till
- Robert Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.,Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander W Peters
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Salim Afshar
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - John Meara
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Crowley M, Jones D. A Framework for Valuing Investments in a Nurturing Society: Opportunities for Prevention Research. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2017; 20:87-103. [PMID: 28247294 PMCID: PMC5396060 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-017-0228-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Investing in strategies that aim to build a more nurturing society offers tremendous opportunities for the field of prevention science. Yet, scientists struggle to consistently take their research beyond effectiveness evaluations and actually value the impact of preventive strategies. Ultimately, it is clear that convincing policymakers to make meaningful investments in children and youth will require estimates of the fiscal impact of such strategies across public service systems. The framework offered here values such investments. First, we review current public spending on children and families. Then, we describe how to quantify and monetize the impact of preventive interventions. This includes a new measurement strategy for assessing multisystem service utilization and a price list for key service provision from public education, social services, criminal justice, health care and tax systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Crowley
- Prevention Economics Planning and Research Program, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
- National Prevention Science Coalition, University Park, PA, USA.
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Damon Jones
- Prevention Economics Planning and Research Program, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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9
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Crowley DM, Jones D. Financing prevention: opportunities for economic analysis across the translational research cycle. Transl Behav Med 2016; 6:145-52. [PMID: 27012262 PMCID: PMC4807188 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-015-0354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention advocates often make the case that preventive intervention not only improves public health and welfare but also can save public resources. Increasingly, evidence-based policy efforts considering prevention are focusing on how programs can save taxpayer resources from reduced burden on health, criminal justice, and social service systems. Evidence of prevention's return has begun to draw substantial investments from the public and private sector. Yet, translating prevention effectiveness into economic impact requires specific economic analyses to be employed across the stages of translational research. This work discusses the role of economic analysis in prevention science and presents key translational research opportunities to meet growing demand for estimates of prevention's economic and fiscal impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Max Crowley
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Damon Jones
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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