OBJECTIVE: To investigate return to work and cost-effectiveness of the addition of cognitive-behavioral treatment to standard therapy compared to standard 3-week inpatient rehabilitation for patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: A prospective economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial was performed. Outcomes included days off work due to spinal complaints, health-related quality of life, and direct and indirect disease-related costs. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients with chronic low back pain, who were admitted to a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation, were randomly assigned to usual care or usual care plus cognitive behavioral treatment. Average incremental costs for psychological treatment during rehabilitation were Euro 127 (95% CI 125.6 to 130.9; p < 0.001). Six months after rehabilitation, patients in the intervention group were absent from work an average of 5.4 (95% CI -1.4 to 12.1; p = 0.12) days less than patients receiving usual treatment. Between groups, there were no significant differences in quality-adjusted life-years gained or in direct medical or nonmedical costs. The cognitive behavioral treatment showed lower indirect costs: Euro 751 (95% CI -145 to 1,641; p = 0.097). CONCLUSION: Adding a cognitive behavioral component to standard therapy may reduce work days lost and thus decrease indirect costs. From a societal perspective, the cost of the psychological treatment was compensated by lower indirect costs.

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