A systematic review of the effectiveness of employer-led interventions for drug misuse

Abstract

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A systematic review of the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of workplace-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of problematic substance use

“…Most reviews (7/11) exclusively reviewed studies of alcohol use; three analyzed alcohol and other drug use ( 20 , 25 , 28 ), and one investigated only other drug use ( 23 ). The reviews include many primary studies conducted prior to 2010, and/or focused on specific workforces, intervention modalities and/or evaluation designs, so there was relatively little overlap in the primary studies included in this review and those analyzed in existing reviews.…”

“…Although a relatively large number of studies have been conducted, there is considerable heterogeneity with regard to the samples and interventions investigated, the methods used, and quality of this research undertaken, making it difficult for organizations and practitioners to interpret the findings. Although several reviews have been undertaken they have been limited in scope, focusing on specific population groups ( 19 , 20 ), intervention modalities ( 21 ), study designs ( 22 ), particular drug classes ( 23 ); and/or are somewhat dated. A rigorous comprehensive review and synthesis of the contemporary literature regarding the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of workplace-based interventions for problematic substance use, including an examination of factors influencing their impact, and barriers and facilitators to implementation, is necessary to help guide organizational decision making and inform future research priorities.…”

How the war on drugs impacts social determinants of health beyond the criminal legal system

“…Despite the widespread use of testing, less than 5.5% of results are positive for any drug, according to data from Quest Diagnostics, one of the largest testing companies in the country [ 27 ]. There is little evidence that these policies are effective in reducing drug use, improving workplace safety, or increasing productivity [ 28–30 ]. Notably, drug tests cannot specify how much of a drug was consumed, whether the person is currently intoxicated or impaired, or if they have a SUD.…”

Employer-Led Strategies to Improve the Value of Health Spending: A Systematic Review

“…Also, our choice for the Downs and Black was based on its rigor in assessing the quality of both RCTs and non-RCTs and its widespread use. [31][32][33][34] Using a different tool may have produced different results related to study quality. Despite these limitations, to the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive synthesis of health plan changes that have been instituted by employers to improve the value of health spending.…”