Research Plus

Economic evaluations are methodologically poor

A systematic review of economic evaluations of OH interventions concludes that, with very few exceptions, their methodological quality is poor. Shortcomings include poor description of the study populations, poor measurement of outcomes and costs, lack of a well-defined research question, lack of declaration of researchers’ independence and conclusions not following the data presented. Using poorly conducted economic evaluation to advise employers on how to allocate resources ‘may result in inappropriate decisions,’ say the authors.

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health 2010; 36(4): 273–288.

Tags cost benefit analysis evidence based practice

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2010 (vol. 07/2) pp38