Supriya Lahiri1, Pouran D Faghri. 1. Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA. Supriya_Lahiri@uml.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness ratios of a nursing home-based incentivized Behavioral Weight Management Program (BWMP) from the employer's perspective. METHODS: Seventy-two overweight and obese health care workers completed the BWMP (n = 35 incentivized; n = 37 nonincentivized). Weight change outcomes were compared for the pre- (0) and postintervention (28 weeks) follow-up periods within and between sites. Comprehensive estimates of BWMP direct program costs and avoided costs of absenteeism and productivity improvements were estimated to evaluate a business case. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (P = 0.01) between the average per-participant weight change between incentivized sites (-7.4 lb) and nonincentivized sites (-2.2 lb). The cost-effectiveness ratios per pound of weight loss were $25.5 and $58.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In general, incentivized BWMPs were more cost effective. To generate a business case, enhancement in productivity becomes a critical factor and future research needs to investigate it further.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness ratios of a nursing home-based incentivized Behavioral Weight Management Program (BWMP) from the employer's perspective. METHODS: Seventy-two overweight and obese health care workers completed the BWMP (n = 35 incentivized; n = 37 nonincentivized). Weight change outcomes were compared for the pre- (0) and postintervention (28 weeks) follow-up periods within and between sites. Comprehensive estimates of BWMP direct program costs and avoided costs of absenteeism and productivity improvements were estimated to evaluate a business case. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (P = 0.01) between the average per-participant weight change between incentivized sites (-7.4 lb) and nonincentivized sites (-2.2 lb). The cost-effectiveness ratios per pound of weight loss were $25.5 and $58.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In general, incentivized BWMPs were more cost effective. To generate a business case, enhancement in productivity becomes a critical factor and future research needs to investigate it further.
Authors: Tricia M Leahey; Graham Thomas; Joseph L Fava; Leslee L Subak; Michael Schembri; Katie Krupel; Rajiv Kumar; Brad Weinberg; Rena R Wing Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2014-05-15 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Jeffrey T Kullgren; Andrea B Troxel; George Loewenstein; David A Asch; Laurie A Norton; Lisa Wesby; Yuanyuan Tao; Jingsan Zhu; Kevin G Volpp Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2013-04-02 Impact factor: 25.391