Audit Feedback Interventions to Address High-Risk Prescriptions in Long-Term Care Homes: A Costing Study and Return on Investment Analysis

Abstract Background: Audit and feedback is a common implementation strategy, but little literature describes its costs. ‘MyPractice’ is an audit and feedback initiative produced by Ontario Health, the provincial agency tasked with supporting quality of care. This study sought to estimate the costs of ‘MyPractice’ and assess whether the financial benefit of ‘MyPractice’ offsets those costs. Methods: We conducted a costing study from the perspective of the government of Ontario, which funds both Ontario Health and necessary healthcare costs for people living in long-term care (LTC) homes in the province. Total cost of ‘MyPractice’ was calculated as the sum of the costs of producing and disseminating the reports (covering three report releases) which were obtained from Ontario Health staff interviews and document reviews. Return on investment (ROI) was calculated as the ratio of net cost-savings and the intervention cost. Net cost-savings were estimated as the reduction in the costs of antipsychotics incurred by LTC home residents attributable to ‘MyPractice’ reports. Results: Total intervention costs were C$223,691 (C$838 per physician and C$74,564 per release). Costs incurred during the development phase accounted for 74% of the total cost (C$166,117), while implementation costs for three report releases were responsible for 26% of the total costs (C$57,575). The ROI for every C$1 spent on the ‘MyPractice’ intervention was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.61) for three report releases. Conclusion: ‘My Practice’ report offers a good return on investment and the value for money increases if physicians sign up and view the reports.