322210
Feasibility and acceptability of disseminating integrated worksite health promotion and health protection interventions through a vendor in small- to medium-sized businesses
Accumulating evidence from large organizations reveals that worksite interventions integrating worksite health promotion (WHP) with occupational safety and health (OSH) result in improved worker health outcomes and participation. Compared to larger organizations, small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are less likely to offer health programs to employees, and more likely to hire external providers (“vendors”) to deliver these services. Few wellness vendors offer integrated intervention products. This paper reports on the feasibility, acceptability, and challenges of a vendor-disseminated integrated product piloted in three SMBs.
methods
Using interview scripts, a research manager conducted 12 monthly phone calls with SMB and vendor staff to assess feasibility, acceptability, and implementation barriers at each site. Researchers entered data into Excel tables and conducted content analyses to analyze qualitative data collected as text. Analyses entailed intensive reading and group discussions of data.
results
Preliminary results indicate that feasibility, acceptability, and challenges of the program varied between pilot sites. A site experiencing extensive organizational change reported low feasibility and acceptability. Other sites with strong organizational supports reported the intervention as acceptable and feasible. Timing intervention delivery around busy production schedules improved feasibility. Both vendor and site staff reported competing work priorities that impeded feasibility.
conclusions
By understanding factors relevant to vendors and SMBs in disseminating integrated worksite health initiatives, we can better design programs for this setting and more effectively promote their use. Vendors providing worker health interventions may use these results to inform the development and dissemination of integrated products to SMBs.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsImplementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Explain the rationale for disseminating integrated worksite health promotion and health protection interventions through a vendor in small- to medium-sized businesses
Identify at least two reasons for differences in the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in pilot study sites
List three challenges for health promotion vendors considering delivery of an integrated intervention in small- to medium-sized businesses.
Keyword(s): Workplace, Wellness
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-investigator of multiple federally funded grants focusing on the integration of worksite health promotion and health protection interventions. My current study is investigating the dissemination of an integrated intervention using a wellness vendor in small- to medium-sized businesses.
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.