Stepped-care PTSD model cuts costs but may raise dropout rates
A Flinders University trial compared an online stepped-care approach for PTSD with telehealth-delivered cognitive processing therapy in 84 adults. The stepped-care program cost 8–10% less and produced similar clinician-rated PTSD and depression improvements, but it had more dropouts (43% vs 26%) and weaker self-reported PTSD outcomes. The study aimed to clarify how to match patients to appropriate treatment intensity.
[paragraphs]
[paragraph] Need ensure no extra. Plain text. No markdown? Labeled sections. We can include blank line between paragraphs? Yes. "EXPANDED:" then paragraph 1, blank line, paragraph 2. Then CONTEXT. That's okay. Need exactly format? They said two labeled sections in plain text, exactly this format. We'll do. Need check "under 120 words total" for expanded. We have 41+61=102. Good. Context 60. Good. Potential issue: "The Flinders trial tested two steps: This Way Up, an online self-guided therapy, and standard-format cognitive processing therapy, with preset stepping-up criteria." This is drawn from material. "preset" vs prespecified. Fine. "matched clinician-rated PTSD and depression gains" source says similar improvements on clinician-rated PTSD after treatment and depression at all time points. "matched" maybe okay. "Both groups improved through six months" source says significant improvements throughout treatment and at six months after treatment. Good. Need maybe mention cost 8-10