A diagnostic direction for workplace health promotion.
Disciplines
Health and Physical Education
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background
Worksite health promotion (WHP) seeks to improve employee health outcomes on several levels: promotion, prevention, diagnostic, etc.. The diagnostic level, specific to cancer, is of particular interest, as it is essential for early detection and intervention but does not receive emphasis in research and practice due to a model that offers screenings annually with inadequate follow-up efforts.
An improved approach for WHP diagnostic programming takes employees through the entire process of early detection and intervention. This approach 1) partners with clinical practitioners to build an awareness/knowledge base of cancer prevalence, 2) stresses and offers on-going, convenient screening opportunities, and 3) facilitates treatment and/or prevention post-screening.
Methods
The approach was evaluated to assess cost effectiveness and WHP diagnostic program direction. Health risk appraisals and health insurance claims data were analyzed to determine the 1) cancer risk levels, 2) cancer related medical procedures/prescriptions, 3) medical costs avoided per affected employee (FY 2008-2016).
Results
Risk levels were typical of the general population (i.e., breast, colon, and prostate), which provided the basis for WHP diagnostic programming. Fiscal year analyses revealed that general WHP programming (i.e., health promotion) ensured savings from avoided costs totaling over $500,000. WHP diagnostic programming doubled that number with early detection and intervention offsetting medical costs with savings of over $1,000,000.
Conclusions
WHP should consider this approach for diagnostic programming for both employee health and employer investment. Moreover, this approach offers the support that employees need during this sensitive process.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Health Promotion and Physical Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Mari-Amanda Dyal
A diagnostic direction for workplace health promotion.
Background
Worksite health promotion (WHP) seeks to improve employee health outcomes on several levels: promotion, prevention, diagnostic, etc.. The diagnostic level, specific to cancer, is of particular interest, as it is essential for early detection and intervention but does not receive emphasis in research and practice due to a model that offers screenings annually with inadequate follow-up efforts.
An improved approach for WHP diagnostic programming takes employees through the entire process of early detection and intervention. This approach 1) partners with clinical practitioners to build an awareness/knowledge base of cancer prevalence, 2) stresses and offers on-going, convenient screening opportunities, and 3) facilitates treatment and/or prevention post-screening.
Methods
The approach was evaluated to assess cost effectiveness and WHP diagnostic program direction. Health risk appraisals and health insurance claims data were analyzed to determine the 1) cancer risk levels, 2) cancer related medical procedures/prescriptions, 3) medical costs avoided per affected employee (FY 2008-2016).
Results
Risk levels were typical of the general population (i.e., breast, colon, and prostate), which provided the basis for WHP diagnostic programming. Fiscal year analyses revealed that general WHP programming (i.e., health promotion) ensured savings from avoided costs totaling over $500,000. WHP diagnostic programming doubled that number with early detection and intervention offsetting medical costs with savings of over $1,000,000.
Conclusions
WHP should consider this approach for diagnostic programming for both employee health and employer investment. Moreover, this approach offers the support that employees need during this sensitive process.