Impacts of a smoking cessation benefit among employed populations.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to project the health and economic impacts of providing a workplace smoking cessation benefit.


METHODS
The authors conducted an update of a previously published outcomes model using recently published data and clinical trial results.


RESULTS
In four example workplace types evaluated, coverage of a cessation benefit resulted in greater numbers of successful cessations and decreased rates of smoking-related diseases. Total savings from benefit coverage (decreased healthcare and workplace costs) exceeded costs of the benefit within 4 years. Total savings per smoker ranged from 350 dollars to 582 dollars at 10 years and 1152 dollars to 1743 dollars at 20 years. Internal rate of return ranged from 39% to 60% at 10 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Providing a workplace smoking cessation benefit results in substantial health and economic benefits with economic savings exceeding the cost of the benefit within a relatively short period.


CONCLUSIONS
Providing a workplace smoking cessation benefit is projected to increase the rate of smoking cessation as well as decrease the incidence of smoking-related conditions and healthcare costs. In addition, workplace cessation benefits can result in decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, and net cost savings within 4 years.
Halpern
Michael T
MT
Exponent, Alexandria, Virginia, USA. michael.halpern@cancer.org
Dirani
Riad
R
Schmier
Jordana K
JK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D017132:Workplace