title: A systematic review of the evidence concerning the economic impact of employee-focused health promotion and wellness programs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the evidence regarding the economic impact of worker health promotion programs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Peer-reviewed research articles were identified from a database search. Included articles were published between January 2000 and May 2010, described a study conducted in the United States that used an experimental or quasi-experimental study design and analyzed medical, pharmacy (direct), and/or work productivity (indirect) costs. A multidisciplinary review team, following specific criteria, assessed research quality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 2030 retrieved articles, 44 met study inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 were of sufficient quality to be considered evidentiary. Only three analyzed direct and indirect costs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence regarding economic impact is limited and inconsistent. Higher-quality research is needed to demonstrate the value of specific programs.
authors.affiliation: Program on Health, Work and Productivity, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA. Dlerner@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lerner
authors.forename: Angie Mae
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rodday
authors.forename: Joshua T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000191:economics*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace / Q000191:economics