Mental health disorders and their treatments produce costs and benefits in both healthcare and non-healthcare sectors. The latter one is often referred to as inter-sectoral costs and benefits (ICBs). Limited research is available on the inclusion of these inter-sectoral costs and benefits (ICBs) in economic evaluations. In this study, we focus on the identification and classification of ICBs of mental health-related interventions within the criminal justice sector in a broader European context. This study was conducted as part of the PECUNIA-project, which aims to develop new standardized, harmonized and validated methods and tools for the assessment of costs and outcomes in European healthcare systems. The aim of the study is to further conceptualize an internationally applicable list of ICBs of mental health-related interventions in the criminal justice sector. Additionally, we aim to facilitate the inclusion of ICBs in economic evaluations across EU by prioritizing important ICBs.

Data was collected via a systematic literature search on PubMed and PsychINFO. Additionally, a grey literature search was carried out in six European countries. In order to validate the international applicability of the list and prioritize the ICBs, a survey was conducted with an international group of experts from the criminal justice sector.

The literature search identified ICBs and resulted in a comprehensive list of items. A multi-dimensional list was constructed, distinguishing between costs as consequence of crime, and costs in response to crime. Based on the expert survey, the international applicability of the list was validated and the most important ICBs from the economic perspective were identified.

This study laid further foundations for the inclusion of important societal costs of mental health-related interventions within the criminal justice sector. More research is needed to facilitate the greater use of ICBs in economic evaluations.