PT Journal AU Ebert, DD Kählke, F Buntrock, C Berking, M Smit, F Heber, E Baumeister, H Funk, B Riper, H Lehr, D TI A health economic outcome evaluation of an internet-based mobile-supported stress management intervention for employees SO Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PD 3VL PY 2018 BP 171 EP 182 IS 2 DI 10.5271/sjweh.3691 WP https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3691 DE CBT; cost-benefit analysis; cost-effectiveness analysis; e-health; economic evaluation; evaluation; internet-based intervention; m-health; randomized controlled trial; RCT; stress; stress management; stress management intervention SN 0355-3140 AB '

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OBJECTIVE ': 'This study aimed to estimate and evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of a guided internet- and mobile-supported occupational stress-management intervention (iSMI) for employees from the employer’s perspective alongside a randomized controlled trial.

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METHODS ': 'A sample of 264 employees with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10 ≥22) was randomly assigned either to the iSMI or a waitlist control (WLC) group with unrestricted access to treatment as usual. The iSMI consisted of seven sessions of problem-solving and emotion-regulation techniques and one booster session. Self-report data on symptoms of perceived stress and economic data were assessed at baseline, and at six months following randomization. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) with symptom-free status as the main outcome from the employer’s perspective was carried out. Statistical uncertainty was estimated using bootstrapping (N=5000).

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RESULTS ': 'The CBA yielded a net-benefit of EUR181 [95% confidence interval (CI) -6043–1042] per participant within the first six months following randomization. CEA showed that at a willingness-to-pay ceiling of EUR0, EUR1000, EUR2000 for one additional symptom free employee yielded a 67%, 90%, and 98% probability, respectively, of the intervention being cost-effective compared to the WLC.

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CONCLUSION ': 'The iSMI was cost-effective when compared to WLC and even lead to cost savings within the first six months after randomization. Offering stress-management interventions can present good value for money in occupational healthcare.

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