Barbara Veder*, Shepell, Ottawa, Canada Rita Fridella*, Shepell, Toronto, Canada Track: Practice Presentation Topic: Participatory health care Presentation Type: Rapid-Fire Presentation Submission Type: Panel Presentation Building: Sol Principe Room: B - Gibralfaro Date: 2014-10-09 11:50 AM – 12:35 PM Last modified: 2014-09-03

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Background

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) providers are being challenged to deliver holistic wellness solutions that address some of the most important challenges to employee productivity and retention. Fitness Coach Connects (FCC) was created in response to a perceived gap in wellness services available to clients: physical health coaching and support. It is an interactive, easily accessible program that consists of three components: a pedometer, a dashboard, and coaching offered by telephone or online chat. It is based upon physical health best practices to help clients understand and improve their physical well-being.

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective assessment of the FCC program, launched in June 2013, through the analysis of client feedback, aggregate data, patterns of client engagement, and improved overall health.

Methods

Shepell looked at the first 218 completed, closed cases between June 14, 2013-January 27, 2014, at pre/post aggregate data and user comments/survey results.

The study measured the following data points:

1. Is the program attracting new EFAP users?
2. Users’ primary goal by gender as identified upon program access.
3. Pre- and post-program assessment measures:
a. Clients’ self-reported
i. Weight pre- and post- program completion;
ii. Cardio activities;
iii. Resistance training activities;
iv. Stretching activities;
v. Perceptions of their physical fitness levels and habits;
vi. Sense of having the knowledge and/or tools necessary to make positive changes to their exercise habits;
vii. Patterns of sleep and fatigue pre- and post-program completion;
viii. Sense of emotional and mental wellness;
ix. Energy levels; and
x. Perception of their physical health’s impact on work performance.
b. Client feedback regarding which component of the program they felt would best support them in meeting their physical health goals.

Results

Fitness Coach Connects engaged employees new to the Employee Assistance Program.

Data analysis of the pre-/post-assessment showed significant improvements across almost all data points. Clients increased the number of days per week in which they spent time on physical activity. 96% felt their overall fitness levels increased and 95% reported improved exercise habits. Sleep, energy levels, mood, and interest in daily activities all improved significantly.

The pedometer and coach were rated at nearly equal values in supporting clients’ physical health goals, but 94% indicated that the coach played a significant role when it came to helping them stick to the program. 98% of users completing the program feel that they have the knowledge and tools to make changes to their exercise habits.

A review of the qualitative feedback reinforces these findings.

Conclusion

Results suggest Fitness Coach Connects, an employer-sponsored program, improves employee wellness with its combination of pedometer and website to monitor activity and coach to provide information, advice, and motivation.