Exploring the economic potential of Tellmi: a novel digital mental health support app for children and young adults

Background: Digital peer support apps can assist with mental ill health. We present an early economic evaluation of Tellmi, a related and novel app for children and young people (CYP). Methods: Tellmi users were surveyed; healthcare resource use over 3 months was captured. Data informed the development of an early cost-comparison model, capturing cost and resource use differences (CYP using Tellmi vs standard care). A 1-year time horizon was used, and the model was built from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Deterministic sensitivity analysis highlighted key driving parameters. Results: There were 283 responses. Tellmi use for more than 1 month resulted in significantly fewer accident and emergency, general practitioner and school nurses/counsellor visits (vs standard care). An early cost calculator model estimated that Tellmi use led to an NHS cost saving of £214 per person (excluding service cost). Conclusions: Tellmi has the potential to be cost saving to the NHS. Further evidence is needed.