Economic Evaluations of Worksite Health Centers: A Systematic Review (April 2025)-Economic Evaluations of Worksite Health Centers: A Systematic Review (

Economic Evaluations of Worksite Health Centers: A Systematic Review (

Pdf Summary

The systematic review by Hanzi Jiang and colleagues examines the economic benefits of worksite health centers (WHCs) in the U.S., focusing on cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) for large employers. The study incorporates ten articles, evaluating various aspects of WHCs across different industry settings, yielding key insights into the potential of WHCs to generate economic savings for employers.<br /><br />Results from the review indicate that the majority of WHCs are cost-effective, providing significant ROI. Specifically, nine out of ten studies included in the review reported that WHCs yielded positive economic results for employers, with annual cost savings per WHC ranging from $35,479 to $2,124,723, and ROI values spanning from 1.09 to 15.88 dollars for every dollar invested. Key factors contributing to higher ROI include company size, employee utilization of WHC services, and the duration of WHC operations.<br /><br />Employers benefit from WHCs through reduced healthcare costs, enhanced employee productivity, and fewer absences, as employees have easier access to customized care options that fit their needs. However, the size and scope of WHCs can influence cost-effectiveness, with larger centers potentially experiencing initial financial strain due to setup costs and lower initial utilization rates.<br /><br />Despite these promising findings, the review highlights the need for further research into the clinical effectiveness and service quality of WHCs, alongside more precise economic evaluations. The study acknowledges gaps in existing literature, particularly concerning the effectiveness of WHCs in reducing healthcare costs compared to traditional employer-led health interventions, such as high-deductible plans and wellness programs, which have shown varied success in containing costs.<br /><br />Overall, WHCs show potential as a viable strategy for curbing employer healthcare expenses, but individual employers should consider various factors, such as company size and healthcare needs, before implementing them extensively. More rigorous and systematic research is recommended to verify these findings and explore WHCs' broader impacts.

Keywords

worksite health centers

economic benefits

cost-effectiveness

return on investment

employer savings

healthcare costs

employee productivity

service quality

clinical effectiveness

healthcare expenses