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Session Title: Cost-Benefit Evidence and Systems Modeling Approaches From the Medical Center Training, Psych-Social Rehabilitation, and Permanent Supportive Housing Sectors
Multipaper Session 296 to be held in Capitol Ballroom Section 3 on Thursday, Nov 6, 1:40 PM to 3:10 PM
Sponsored by the Costs, Effectiveness, Benefits, and Economics TIG
Chair(s):
Ronald Visscher,  Western Michigan University,  ronald.s.visscher@wmich.edu
Evaluating Opportunities to Optimize Learning and Economic Impact: Applying System Dynamics to Model Training Deployment in a Medical Center
Presenter(s):
Daniel McLinden,  Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center,  daniel.mclinden@cchmc.org
Rebecca Phillips,  Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,  rebecca.phillips@cchmc.org
Adam Helbig,  Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,  adam.helbig@cchmc.org
Abstract: Systems modeling provides the evaluator with a method to empirically explore potential impact of an intervention and, in particular, the economics of features and benefits of that intervention. Assumptions that support the intervention can be tested and the varying perspectives of multiple stakeholders can be systematically evaluated as a means to both quantify the effects of their unique perspectives and also to promote consensus building and dialogue among stakeholders that is grounded in empirical evidence. This session will review the work done in a medical center to model the economics of required training programs for new employees. The specific aim was to identify the optimum timing for compliance based training utilizing economic considerations and this model as the basis for beginning discussions of policy changes within the organization. Additionally modeling the tradeoffs between optimizing economic variables and optimizing non-economic variables such as learning will be discussed.
Cost Benefit Analysis of the Clubhouse Psychosocial Rehabilitation Model
Presenter(s):
Anna Myers,  American University,  am7502a@american.edu
Brian Yates,  American University,  brian.yates@mac.com
Colleen McKay,  University of Massachusetts,  colleen.mckay@umassmed.edu
Abstract: This research shows that the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation--implemented currently at over 328 sites in 28 countries--has measurable, quantifiable, and monetizable inputs (costs) and outputs (benefits). In US dollars, we assessed the average costs of providing services to Clubhouse members, and a subset of the average benefits generated by the members: their earnings in competitive employment in the community. With a sample of 220 Clubhouses from 21 countries, we found that Clubhouse members earn, on the average, the equivalent of 30% of the Clubhouse budget. We also found that having members provide services to members seems to be more cost-beneficial than having only staff provide services to members. We anticipate that cost-savings due to reduced use of health and criminal justice services would increase total Clubhouse benefits, possibly to where benefits exceeded costs.
An Evaluability Assessment of a Cost Benefit Study of Permanent Supportive Housing
Presenter(s):
Brian Dates,  Southwest Solutions,  bdates@swsol.org
Abstract: Since the late 1970’s, evaluability assessment has been advanced as an important aspect of the full program evaluation process. In spite of this, the various methodologies available to the evaluator with which to conduct feasibility studies of a proposed evaluation have remained largely underutilized. At the same time, the application of cost analysis procedures to evaluations, while gaining support as pivotal to a full understanding of program effect, has itself remained infrequently utilized. This paper will examine the process of conducting an evaluability assessment of a cost analysis study of permanent supportive housing. Using the JSCEE Standards and the Guiding Principles to provide direction for the evaluability assessment, the presentation will focus on how evaluation feasibility was appraised and how the process of determining and validating data sources for cost data was carried out.

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