OUTCOME STUDIES IN INDUSTRY - COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF CUMULATIVE TRAUMADISORDER PREVENTION

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is a method for choosing between alt ernative strategies to achieve a specified outcome in an environment o f limited resources. This paper discusses the use of CEA in evaluating prevention strategies in industrial settings, using cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) prevention programs as an example. Methodologic issues in designing studies of cost-effectiveness for preventive interventio ns are discussed. A decision analysis model of a CTD prevention progra m is described as a means of studying the program's cost-effectiveness . The relationship between CEA and outcomes research, and the strength s and limitations of CEA in evaluating occupational health prevention programs is considered. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.