Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness and Return-on-Investment of a Mindfulness-Based Worksite Intervention: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment of a mindfulness-based worksite intervention compared to usual practice.
Results Summary
The study found a small but statistically significant adverse effect on work engagement, no significant differences in job satisfaction, general vitality, work ability, or total costs, and low probabilities of cost-effectiveness. The intervention did not yield a positive financial return for the employer.
Population
Governmental research institute employees (n=257)
Effective Dosage
Eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements (specific dosage not detailed)
Duration
12 months (including follow-up)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | decrease | work engagement | governmental research institute employees | -0.19; 95% confidence interval: -0.38 to -0.01 | significant but not clinically relevant adverse effect | #1 |
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | no change | job satisfaction | governmental research institute employees | no significant change | no significant differences | #2 |
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | no change | general vitality | governmental research institute employees | no significant change | no significant differences | #3 |
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | no change | work ability | governmental research institute employees | no significant change | no significant differences | #4 |
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | no change | total costs | governmental research institute employees | no significant change | no significant differences | #5 |
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | no change | cost-effectiveness | governmental research institute employees | ≤0.25 | low probabilities of cost-effectiveness | #6 |
eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements | no change | financial return to the employer | governmental research institute employees | - | did not have a positive financial return | #7 |
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment analysis comparing a mindfulness-based worksite intervention to usual practice. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-seven governmental research institute employees were randomized to the intervention or control group. Intervention group participants received an eight-week mindfulness training, e-coaching, and supporting elements. Outcomes included work engagement, general vitality, job satisfaction, work ability, and costs. Cost-effectiveness analyses were conducted from the societal and employer's perspective, and a return-on-investment analysis from the employer's perspective. RESULTS: After 12 months, a significant but not clinically relevant adverse effect on work engagement was found (-0.19; 95% confidence interval: -0.38 to -0.01). There were no significant differences in job satisfaction, general vitality, work ability, and total costs. Probabilities of cost-effectiveness were low (≤0.25) and the intervention did not have a positive financial return to the employer. CONCLUSION: The intervention was neither cost-saving nor cost-effective. Poor e-coaching compliance might partly explain this result.