The DSG/Kaiser study is unique in that it examines the effectiveness of wellness activities in a healthcare setting where, historically, employees have been reluctant in addressing personal needs/problems for reasons such as stigma, denial, and professional acceptance. The wellness model builds on the stages-of-change model (Prochaska, Clemente & Norcross, 1992) with levels of prevention activity ranging from awareness (the first and broadest level) to education (more targeted) to behavior change (the action component) to cultural change within the corporate setting (environmental change). Utilizing a quasi-experimental study design with a comparison group, the study examines the effects of a wellness promotion program on non-physician healthcare employees at Kaiser Permanente’s San Francisco medical facility compared to non-physician healthcare employees at Kaiser’s South San Francisco medical facility. Change related to the study intervention will be gauged by examining healthcare utilization records quarterly over eight distinct points in time. In addition, program impact will be measured through a (census) baseline and followup employee survey (n=1,450), and through baseline and followup focus groups (n=24) drawn out of convenience. Expected outcomes include (1) an increase in awareness of onsite wellness activities/programs, (2) a broader knowledge base of healthy behaviors to affect positive lifestyle changes, and (3) an understanding of the changes necessary within a corporate environment to promote positive health outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: (1) identify effective work-site wellness activities; (2) articulate the value of these activities in terms of positive clinical and cost outcomes; and (3) identify necessary steps to affect corporate cultural change to achieve positive health outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
Keywords: Worksite, Occupational Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Development Services Group, Inc. and Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. Study funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) through Cooperative Agreement No.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.