Cost-effectiveness of Consultation for a Daily Report Card Intervention: Comparing In-Person and Online Implementation Strategies

Teachers can implement a high quality Daily Report Card (DRC) intervention when they receive face-to-face consultation or interactive online supports. Yet, it is unclear which method is most cost-effective. Using an ingredients-based approach and societal perspective, we examined costs and cost-effectiveness (compared to typical practice) of three implementation strategies (face-to-face standard consultation, face-to-face enhanced consultation, interactive online supports) with 112 elementary school teachers. Teachers received consultation for DRC implementation with one student with or at risk for ADHD. Over 2 months, we collected data on teachers’ implementation and changes in student behaviors. Regarding cost per student, enhanced consultation was the most costly ($864), followed by standard consultation ($634) and interactive online supports ($307). Regarding cost-effectiveness (costs required to achieve the desired effect beyond typical practice), interactive online supports were the most cost-effective followed by enhanced consultation and standard consultation. We discuss implications for research and maximizing outcomes given dollars spent.