Economic Evaluations of Rehabilitation Interventions: A Scoping Review with Implications for Return to Work Programs

Background/Objectives: The use of rehabilitation interventions is critical in addressing health and economic outcomes, including return to work (RTW) facilitation for individuals with disabilities. However, the economic evaluation of these interventions has been found to lack consistency, with limited adherence to reporting standards and little focus on integrated approaches. This scoping review will map the existing evidence on the economic evaluations of rehabilitation interventions and their implications for return to work (RTW) programs. Methods: A systematic search of databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies that provided full economic evaluations of rehabilitation interventions related to RTW. Using the PRISMA-ScR framework, 11 studies were ultimately included. Data extraction included the model type, cost-effectiveness models, adherence to CHEERS reporting guidelines, and implications for RTW. Results: The majority of studies examined medical or psychological interventions, with little representation of vocational or integrated approaches. ICERs differed greatly between studies based on methodologies and healthcare settings. The reporting of heterogeneity, uncertainty analysis, and societal perspectives were some of the gaps identified from adherence to CHEERS guidelines. Conclusions: Economic evaluations show that rehabilitation interventions can be cost-effective for improving RTW outcomes. Future research priorities include interdisciplinary approaches, standardized methodologies, and studies based on LMICs to address global disparities.