Research Plus

Putting a value on OH

A systematic review of economic evaluations of occupational health interventions (34 studies included) found large variation in the way health-related productivity is measured, making any comparison and use of results difficult. Half the studies looked at physical health, such as back pain, seven examined the use of influenza vaccine, six looked at health promotion and wellness, and two were interventions to address mental health. All the studies included a monetary value for health-related savings, but there was considerable variation in the methods used to evaluate these indirect costs.

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2010; online first: doi: 10.1007/s10926-010-9258-0.

Tags cost benefit analysis evidence based practice

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2010 (vol. 07/3) pp40