Personal health management programs: A way to improve health outcomes

Introduction: SimplyWell® offers personalized health management programs based on a health risk questionnaire and a health screening activity. The health risk questionnaire is computer-based and consists of 75 questions covering demographic data, medical and family history, physical activity and eating practices. The questionnaire is offered in English and Spanish and is accessed through an individual private and secured electronic account. For the Health Screening day, participants are asked to arrive fasting. Height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate are measured and blood is withdrawn for a full blood analysis (glucose, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides). Within 24 hours, participants can access their account and review their results. A Personal Wellness Profile™ score and a customized individual action plan are generated for each participant to improve their health status with a nurse phone follow-up. Methods/Analysis: To examine the effect of repeated participation in wellness programs on health status, a sample of (N=248) who have participated in the program for five consecutive years was selected from a total of 4,880 eligible employees in one of the participating organizations (an academic medical center). Using paired t-test, health scores, biometrics and self-reported data from year 1 and year 5 were analyzed. Results: Five-year consecutive participation resulted in significant (p<0.03) improvements in diastolic BP, hemoglobin, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and glucose levels. There was also a (non-significant) improvement in triglycerides levels, BMI, doctor's visits, and sick days. Conclusion: Repeated intervention may have a positive effect on the health status of personal health management programs participants.