Affiliations: Programs for Assessment of Technology in Health (PATH)
Research Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON,
Canada | Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada | Abbott Canada, Saint-Laurent, Québec, Canada | Pacific Blue Cross, Vancouver, BC, Canada | GlaxoSmithKline, Mississauga, ON, Canada | AstraZeneca, Mississauga, ON, Canada | British Columbia Public Service Agency, Vancouver, BC,
Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: J.E. Tarride, Programs for
Assessment of Technology in Health (PATH) Research Institute, St. Joseph's
Healthcare Hamilton, 25 Main Street West, Suite 2000, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P,
1H1, Canada. Tel.: +1 905 523 7284 ext 5282; Fax: +1 905 522 0568; E-mail: tarride@mcmaster.ca
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the My Health Matters! (MHM) program, a
multifaceted workplace intervention relying on education and awareness, early
detection and disease management with a focus on risk factors for metabolic
syndrome. Participants: The MHM program was offered to 2,000 public
servants working in more than 30 worksites in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: The MHM program included a health risk assessment combined with an
opportunity to attend an on-site screening and face-to-face call back visits
and related on-site educational programs. Clinical and economic outcomes were
collected over time in this one-year prospective study coupled with
administrative and survey data. Results: Forty three per cent of
employees (N=857) completed the online HRA and 23 per cent (N=447)
attended the initial clinical visit with the nurse. Risk factors for metabolic
syndrome were identified in more than half of those attending the clinical
visit. The number of risk factors significantly decreased by 15 per cent over
six months (N=141). The cost per employee completing the HRA was $205
while the cost per employee attending the initial clinical visit was $394.
Eighty-two per cent of employees would recommend the program to other
employers. Conclusions: This study supports that workplace interventions
are feasible, sustainable and valued by employees. As such, this study provides
a new framework for implementing and evaluating workplace interventions
focussing on metabolic disorders.
