The Employer & Research-Based Healthcare Evidence

Wayne N. Burton M.D.Former Chief Medical OfficerAmerican Express

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Today’s Discussion

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Employer’s approach to using the best research evidence

Reference: The Center For Workforce Health and Performance PCORI funded study. 2018

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The importance of evidence beyond medical treatment on the impact of employer costs

Edington & Burton. 2004

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PCORI Funded Research Aligns with Employer Mental & Behavioral Health Initiatives• PCORI

• 43 Million adults in the US had a mental health condition in 2015

• $467 billion est. cost of mental health disorders in 2012

• PCORI invested $510 M on 127 CER studies related to mental health

• Employer Research• Employee Assistance Program

counselors commonly present at the workplace and integrated in worksite health clinics

Burton et al. JOEM. 2007; 13: 105-112

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Addressing Health Disparities

• PCORI“Eliminating disparities in health & healthcare could save the US over $250 Billion annually in direct medical costs. Disparities lead to preventable suffering”

• Employer Research

Burton et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2013;55 (8) 873

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PCORI Research on Obesity Aligns with Employer Initiatives

• PCORI• 1 in 6 (37%) Americans is obese• 18 CER studies funded• Programs for effective weight

loss• Role of weight loss surgeries

• Employer Research

Burton et al. J Occup Environ Med. 1998; 40:786

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Examples of Potential Future Areas of CER Research: CDHP, Dental

Burton et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2017; 59(8): 721

Burton et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2014; 56(4): 347

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Recommendations for Researchers

• Connect evidence-based solutions with employees and the workplace

• Broaden the definition of outcomes beyond clinical• Think broadly about communication strategies to include

employers

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Thank You!Wayne Burton, MDFormer Chief Medical OfficerAmerican Express wayneburtonmd@gmail.comSeptember 20, 2019

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Questions?