267063 Multidisciplinary “Healthy Campus” initiative promotes prevention & wellness at the worksite

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM

Michael J. Rush, PharmD, CDE, BCACP , College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
David R. Bright, PharmD, BCACP , College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
Karen R. Colwell, BS , Department of Human Resources, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
Natalie A. DiPietro, PharmD, MPH , College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
Karen L. Kier, PhD, BCPS, BCACP , College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
     
Background: A private, self-insured university (over 900 covered lives) recognized the need for onsite wellness and disease state management (DSM) programming. A comprehensive multidisciplinary worksite wellness program was developed. Faculty and students from pharmacy, nursing, exercise physiology, and clinical laboratory science provide care to university employees, dependents, and retirees. The purpose of the program is to be partners in the health and wellness of the employees and their dependents. Methods: The program began with a DSM and exercise component, and, following a needs assessment, was expanded to include a preventive care arm, where individuals receive personalized counseling as well as select immunizations; health promotion/education through one-on-one and group educational sessions, screening programs, and a newsletter; weight management counseling; smoking cessation services; and an annual health fair. Results: The program has grown from a pilot of 17 enrollees to over 300 enrollees. Based on the positive results of the program as well as positive participant satisfaction data, the “Healthy Campus” initiative was developed. Through participation in health education classes, exercise sessions, appointments with on- and off-campus healthcare providers, and preventive services, employees earn discounts on their insurance premiums which encourages members to take ownership of their health and health goals. Additionally, involving students from each discipline provides opportunities to train the next generation of healthcare providers to promote prevention and wellness and improve health. Conclusion: The introduction of an incentivized multidisciplinary worksite wellness program has resulted in improved clinical outcomes for participants and encouraging economical savings for the employer.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Chronic disease management and prevention
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
1. List opportunities for wellness services at the worksite. 2. Explain how prevention and wellness can be impacted across the lifespan for employees, dependents, and retirees through worksite wellness programs. 3. Describe the Healthy Campus initiative. 4. Name the benefits and potential challenges associated with the coordination of wellness activities across multiple healthcare disciplines.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the current director of a multidisciplinary worksite wellness program serving approximately 900 employees and retirees of a private, self-insured university.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3063.0: Planning and Implementing Health Education Strategies in the Workplace (organized by Worksite Working Group)