OBJECTIVES: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are widespread in many countries and include a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Digital health interventions are commonly used for individuals with MSDs, however, no study has synthesised the findings of cost effectiveness of these interventions. The aim of this study was to synthesise the cost-effectiveness of digital health interventions for people with MSDs.

METHODS: Electronic databases including Medline, AMED, CIHAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Centre for Review and Dissemination were searched for cost-effectiveness of digital health published between inception to May 2021 according to PRISMA guideline. References of all retrieved articles were checked for relevant studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Data were synthesised through a narrative review.

RESULTS: Ten studies from six countries met the inclusion criteria. The average percent of CHEERS checklist items reported was 70.4%. Included studies were on non-specific chronic low back pain (n = 4), chronic pain (n = 2), knee and hip osteoarthritis (n = 3) and Fibromyalgia (n = 1). The economic perspectives adopted in the included studies were societal (n = 4), societal and healthcare (n = 3) and healthcare (n = 3). Of the ten included studies 5 (50%) of them used quality-adjusted life years as the outcome measures. Except one study, all the included studies reported that digital health interventions were cost effective compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the review show that digital health interventions are cost-effective for the management of MSDs. This suggests that digital health intervention could help improve access to treatment for patients with the condition, and as a result improving their health outcomes. Clinicians and policy makers should consider the use of these interventions for patients with MSDs.