Occupational nurse case management : a study of cost effectiveness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the cost-effectiveness of a pre-existing Medical Management (MM) occupational health program (N=62) with an on-site Nurse Case Management (NCM) occupational health program (N=67) for employees with work related injuries or illnesses . Selected occupational health program costs between the two occupational health models were compared and relationships between demographic variables and incidence of work related injuries were explored. Subjects in the two comparison groups were those with work related injuries over a two year period. Functional, clinical and financial program outcomes were explored. Findings indicated significantly fewer lost work days for the NCM group. Nearly $240,000 was saved in total wage compensation, medical care, and manhours replaced costs in the NCM program compared to the MM. This outcome was attribured to decreased number of lost work days and developing and maintaining an effective modified duty program for injured employees by the nurse case manager. These findgins support the opportunity to strengthen ties with business consumers .