Recovering work productivity in a population with chronic musculoskeletal pain: unveiling the value and cost-savings of a digital care program

Objective To investigate potential savings obtained from restoring productivity in employees with chronic MSK pain through a digital care program (DCP). Methods Secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study assessing cumulative savings overall or across several industry sectors by analyzing changes in Work Productivity and Activities Impairment (WPAI questionnaire). Results Employees from 50 U.S. states started the program ( n = 5032). Significant improvements in productivity impairment were observed across all industries, yielding median cumulative savings from $151 (95% confidence interval [CI], 128–174) to $294 (95% CI, 286–303) per participant at treatment end. Twelve-month projections estimated median savings of $2916 (95% CI, 2861–2972). Additionally, significant improvements in non–work-related daily activities were observed. Conclusions This study underlines the burden of MSK-related productivity loss on employers' financial balance, illustrating the importance of a DCP to assist patients to recover quality of life and succeed professionally.