Trial-based economic evaluations in occupational health: principles, methods, and recommendations

Area of Science:

• Occupational health and safety
• Health economics
• Evidence-based practice

Background:

• Effective resource allocation requires understanding the economic merits of occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions.
• Economic evaluations are crucial for comparing costs and consequences of OHS interventions.
• Current research often lacks methodological rigor in assessing OHS intervention economics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance for occupational health researchers on conducting high-quality trial-based economic evaluations.
• To improve the design, analysis, and reporting of economic evaluations in OHS.
• To assist consumers in critically appraising economic evaluations of OHS interventions.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of the theory and methodology underpinning trial-based economic evaluations.
• Development of recommendations for best practices in study design.
• Guidance on analysis and reporting standards for economic evaluations.

Main Results:

• Identified a gap in high-quality economic evaluations for OHS interventions.
• Outlined a framework for conducting robust trial-based economic evaluations.
• Provided practical recommendations for researchers and consumers.

Conclusions:

• High-quality economic evaluations are essential for efficient OHS resource allocation.
• This study offers a methodological guide to improve the quality and utility of economic evaluations in OHS research.
• Enhanced understanding and appraisal of OHS economic evaluations are facilitated by this work.