Mind Meets Money

On May 18, 2023, the University of York hosted the thought-provoking event "Mind Met Money," bringing together esteemed researchers to exchange ideas and foster new collaborations. The event, expertly hosted by Lina Gega, Director of the Institute for Mental Health Research at York (IMRY) and Rowena Jacobs, Deputy Director of the Centre for Health Economics (CHE), showcased the dynamic mix of research taking place at the University of York. The University is proud to present its groundbreaking research at the cutting edge of mental health and health economics, highlighting an extraordinary cross section of work that promises to drive positive change. From advancements in methodology to clear end-user applications, the University's diverse range of activities is both inspiring and impactful, with a strong sense of urgency to benefit societies and decision-makers.

One of the key areas of exploration is the utilization of computer-based techniques to simulate individual behaviors, providing a valuable avenue to explore mental health interventions and inform policy changes. Claire de Oliveira from the University of Toronto delivered a captivating keynote talk, introducing the application of microsimulation to inform psychosis-related health policies. Additionally, Paul Tiffin from Hull York Medical School discussed the use of TeenSim, a cutting-edge modeling tool, to analyze adolescent mental health trajectories in a groundbreaking UKRI-funded project.

The event also shed light on the challenges of obtaining evidence to underpin policy decisions. CHE Senior Research Fellow Pedro Saramago Goncalves revealed findings from the Costs and Outcomes of Digital Interventions (CODI) Project, suggesting that digital interventions for anxiety disorders may not necessarily save time and money compared to other treatments. Evaluating ecotherapy and nature-based interventions for cost-effectiveness also proved to be complex. CHE Research Fellow Sebastian Hinde emphasized the need for further research to truly assess the anticipated cost-effectiveness of ecotherapy for individuals with common mental health problems.

The event delved into other critical topics, including the consequences of civil conflict on mental health and related inequalities, the impact of the Climate Crisis on mental health, and the interplay between social standing, economic inequality, and mental health. The University's researchers demonstrated their dedication to addressing these multifaceted issues and supporting policymakers in formulating effective strategies to improve population health.

Moreover, the University of York's health economists are making significant contributions to global decision-making processes. David Glynn, Research Fellow at CHE, presented his work on how health economics is informing a cost-effective psychological therapy intervention called behavioral activation for individuals with depression and diabetes in Pakistan and Bangladesh. This research not only shaped the trial design but also facilitated long-term cost-effectiveness assessments of the treatment.

Ana Duarte, Research Fellow at CHE, further highlighted the cost-effectiveness of collaborative care treatment models for depression in people with cancer, adding to the growing body of evidence supporting this approach.

Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York, commended the research excellence occurring at the interface between mental health and health economics, noting its far-reaching impact on other areas of research.

The University of York remains committed to tackling the most challenging research questions of the next decade, driven by the goal of improving mental health outcomes and fostering sustainable societies.

For more information on the event, read the accompanying pdf: Mind Meets Money (PDF , 2,752kb)