Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of incentives as a tool for prevention of non-communicable diseases: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 17 May 2019Source: Social Science & MedicineAuthor(s): Eric A. Finkelstein, Marcel Bilger, Drishti BaidAbstractThe rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses substantial health and economic challenges to both individuals and society. Application of incentive-based strategies based on traditional and behavioural economic theory has emerged as a potential strategy to address rising rates of NCDs. Yet, whether or not incentives truly represent a promising strategy for addressing NCDs has not been systematically addressed nor is it clear whether certain behavioural economic strategies outperform others or simply offering a cash-based incentive for meeting a goal. In this systematic review we aim to determine whether there is an evidence base for any of these strategies. Our primary conclusion is that there is a lack of compelling evidence that incentives of any form represent a compelling NCD reduction strategy. More evidence for long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness is needed to justify third party funding of any incentive based strategy.
Source: Social Science and Medicine - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research