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![]() 270695 Designing a Workplace Wellness Toolkit for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Improving Health and Lowering CostsWednesday, October 31, 2012
Background COPD is an umbrella term describing progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and some forms of bronchiectasis. In 2008 COPD became the 3rd cause of death. 70% of COPD occurs under age 65. Half of the 24 million affected haven't been diagnosed. The average patient is not diagnosed until half of lung function is lost. Employers can minimize the burden of COPD through awareness and education efforts leading to earlier detection and improved management.
Aim: To conduct qualitative and quantitative research with employers to develop a COPD employer toolkit and increase employer engagement. Methods: Phase-one included literature searches, focus groups and an electronic survey assessing employer wellness priorities, COPD knowledge and toolkit focus and format preferences. Phase-two included analysis and creation of materials with the Maryland COPD Coalition and businesses. Phase-three included evaluation of materials by employers, material refinement and deployment. Phase four includes assessment of deployment strategy and outcome measurement. Results: Phase-one findings included; employers had low knowledge of COPD's burden; priorities included diabetes, heart disease, and tobacco cessation; perceived reasons why COPD was not a wellness priority included lack of knowledge on cost impact, low public awareness, high competition and misconception of COPD as a disease of elderly. Based on these findings the materials focused on explaining cost burden and correcting the misconception of COPD. A cost-calculator was developed and tools were designed to integrate with existing wellness activities. At the time of submission evaluation is underway. Full results will be available in March.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsChronic disease management and prevention Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Occupational health and safety Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Public health or related research Learning Objectives: Keywords: Chronic Diseases, Occupational Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the project lead for the creation of the COPD employer toolkit, a federally funded project. Among my scientific interests has been the development of strategies for improving quality of care and reducing economic burdens associated with COPD. 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.
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