Service use, healthcare costs and productivity losses of functional cognitive disorder in a sample of attenders to out-patient cognitive, neurology and memory clinics

TL;DR

This study estimates the healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with functional cognitive disorders among out-patient clinic attendees.

Contribution

The study provides the first cost estimates for functional cognitive disorder in specialist clinic populations.

Findings

Individuals with functional cognitive disorder had frequent healthcare contacts and work absences.

Estimated total cost per person over six months was £1114, combining healthcare and productivity losses.

Abstract

People with functional disorders often receive high levels of healthcare resource use yet have poor outcomes. The health service costs and productivity losses of functional cognitive disorders (FCD) is unknown.

This study aims to report the cost to health services and productivity losses of FCD.

Examination of healthcare service use and productivity losses in a sample of individuals with FCD who had attended a specialist out-patient clinic in south London.

The findings revealed high rates of healthcare use, including frequent contact with general practitioners, psychologists and hospital services, as well as work absences. The total estimated cost of healthcare and productivity losses per individual over 6 months was £1114.

These results highlight the need for effective and efficient diagnostic pathways, targeted and effective interventions, and improved support for individuals with FCD.

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