Cost–Benefit Analysis of the Enhancing Men’s Awareness of Testicular diseases (E-MAT) Feasibility Trial: A Virtual Reality Experience to Increase Testicular Knowledge and Self-Examination among Male Athletes

Aileen Murphy (), Ann Kirby, Federica Blasio, Megan McCarthy, Frances Shiely, Josephine Hegarty, Martin P. Davoren, Janas M. Harrington, Gillian W. Shorter, David Murphy, Billy O’Mahony, Eoghan Cooke, Michael J. Rovito, Steve Robertson, Serena FitzGerald, Alan O. Connor, Mícheál O. Riordan and Mohamad M. Saab
Additional contact information
Aileen Murphy: Cork University Business School, University College Cork
Ann Kirby: Cork University Business School, University College Cork
Federica Blasio: Cork University Business School, University College Cork
Megan McCarthy: University College Cork
Frances Shiely: University College Cork
Josephine Hegarty: University College Cork
Martin P. Davoren: University College Cork
Janas M. Harrington: University College Cork
Gillian W. Shorter: Queen’s University Belfast
David Murphy: University College Cork
Billy O’Mahony: University College Cork
Eoghan Cooke: University College Cork
Michael J. Rovito: University of Central Florida
Steve Robertson: University of Sheffield
Serena FitzGerald: University College Cork
Alan O. Connor: Gaelic Athletic Association
Mícheál O. Riordan: Gaelic Athletic Association
Mohamad M. Saab: University College Cork

PharmacoEconomics - Open, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, No 12, 682 pages

Abstract: Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) is potentially effective in raising awareness of testicular diseases, promoting self-examination and early help-seeking among men. This paper presents an early economic evaluation exploring the potential cost-effectiveness of Enhancing Men’s Awareness of Testicular diseases (E-MAT)VR, a VR interactive experience compared with E-MATE, electronic information, among male athletes Results from this economic evaluation will inform and support the design of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods Results from an Irish feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05146466) with 74 participants conducted in 2022 were employed. Benefits were measured in monetary units whereby the contingent valuation method was used to elicit participants’ preferences through willingness-to-pay measures. A micro-cost analysis estimated the costs of the intervention and comparator and subsequent resource use. The costs and benefits of E-MATVR and E-MATE were compared to determine the net benefit. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results Base case analysis suggests participants were willing to pay €21.88 for E-MATVR and €11.16 for E-MATE. The total cost of E-MATVR was €104.09 and of E-MATE was €22.75 per participant. These estimates include capital and delivery costs, of which delivery costs were €25.02 and €22.40 for E-MATVR and E-MATE, respectively. A negative net benefit indicates E-MATVR was not cost-beneficial as delivered in the feasibility trial. Scenario analyses demonstrated reducing costs via delivery modifications increased the probability of E-MATVR being considered cost-effective. The cost–benefit analysis was feasible, response rates were acceptable, and willingness-to-pay estimates were stable. Conclusions Economic evaluations alongside feasibility trials enable early economic evaluations, informing the design and conduct of a future RCT. E-MATVR had higher expected benefits (WTP) and costs than E-MATE, yielding a negative net benefit. Given the high cost of digital health interventions, investigating their cost-effectiveness early is important to inform and optimize resource allocation decisions. We present a series of scenarios to demonstrate how delivery modifications to reduce costs could improve the likelihood of E-MATVR being considered cost-effective.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s41669-025-00571-5

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