Worksite wellness policies within hospitals

Introduction:

Physical activity and healthy eating are important components of worksite wellness policies. Hospitals are an important setting for worksite wellness initiatives because they are major employers of diverse employees. Hospital-based wellness initiatives also have potential to reach many community member visitors and patients.

Methods:

A multi-state study was designed to examine how hospitals promote physical activity and healthy eating among employees and visitors. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with human resources and wellness staff in over a dozen hospitals across the U.S. in both urban and rural settings are being conducted. The questionnaire and protocol was developed based on a previous study focused on examining physical education policies. The interview addressed the wellness policy environment, physical activity and nutrition components of existing wellness policies and challenges to policy creation, implementation and evaluation within hospital settings. Data analysis includes thematic evaluation. This study is conducted by the Physical Activity Policy Research Network (PAPRN) and the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research Evaluation Network (NOPREN), two thematic research networks established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Results:

Our analysis will explore key themes that emerge regarding the extent to which wellness policies focused on physical activity and nutrition guidelines are being promoted in hospital environments. Commonalities and differences across urban and rural hospitals will also be explored.

Conclusion:

Encouraging worksite wellness in hospital environments may encourage physical activity and healthy eating for employees, patients and visitors.