Just as it’s important to understand how effective a healthcare intervention is for those receiving it, it’s also important to understand the value of the intervention to the health system as a whole.

In a world with finite resources, we need to make sure that the money we spend on healthcare results in the best possible health outcomes across the population. If an intervention is very expensive and results in only very small changes in health outcomes, then we may be better off spending money elsewhere, on interventions that bring about greater health improvements.

To check whether ReDIRECT delivers value for money, we are conducting a health economic evaluation. This means that we look at the costs and health effects of ReDIRECT, compared to what is currently available (called a cost-effectiveness analysis). As part of ReDIRECT, we are measuring all costs involved in the intervention, as well as any changes in health-related quality of life. For a broader perspective, we are measuring changes in work-related productivity, as well as personal food, drink and medical costs.