Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness and Return-on-Investment of a Mindfulness-Based Worksite Intervention: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
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.



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.



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.



The intervention was neither cost-saving nor cost-effective. Poor e-coaching compliance might partly explain this result.
Body@Work, Research Center for Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU University Medical Center (Drs van Dongen, van Berkel, Boot, Proper, Bongers, Beek, van Tulder, van Wier); Department of Health Sciences and the EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam (Drs van Dongen, Bosmans, van Tulder, van Wier); Department of Public and Occupational Health and the EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Drs van Dongen, van Berkel, Boot, Proper, der Beek); TNO Healthy Living, Leiden (Dr Bongers); and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Drs van Tulder, van Wier).
Johanna M
JM
van Dongen
Jantien
J
van Berkel
Cécile R L
CR
Boot
Judith E
JE
Bosmans
Karin I
KI
Proper
Paulien M
PM
Bongers
Allard J
AJ
van der Beek
Maurits W
MW
van Tulder
Marieke F
MF
van Wier
D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064866:Mindfulness; D009426:Netherlands; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D017132:Workplace