Pragmatic Evaluation of a Health System-Based Employee Weight Management Program

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the fidelity and estimate the effectiveness of a novel health system employee weight-management program. Methods: Employees participating in a weight loss program consisting of self-monitoring, health coaching and meal replacements optionally enrolled in the 12-month study. Longitudinal, single-arm analyses were conducted evaluating change over time via survey, claims and programmatic data. Token participation incentives were offered for survey completion. Results: In total, 140 participants enrolled (51.2 ± 9.8 years; BMI = 33.2 ± 6.5 kg/m2; 89.3% female). During 1 year, participants attended 18.0 ± 12.2 coaching appointments and self-reported significant improvements in weight (−8.2 ± 10.5% body weight), BMI (−3.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2), fruit/vegetable intake, home food preparation, added sugar, sugar sweetened beverages and life satisfaction (all p < 0.05). No significant changes were reported in physical activity, weight-related social support, self-efficacy or healthcare utilization (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings from this evaluation establish implementation fidelity. Clinically significant self-reported weight loss, coupled with improvements in many weight-related behaviors, suggest the program is an effective weight management tool when offered as an employee well-being program.

Development and Rasch Analysis of the 18-Item Health Resilience Profile (HRP)

“…Health coaching appointments include reviewing past conversations, topics, and goals from the previous week, discussing new education and behavior topics, modifying existing goals, or setting new goals for the next week. The Profile by Sanford program is efficacious in reducing weight in endometrial cancer survivors and improving fruit/vegetable consumption, home food preparation, and life satisfaction in employees enrolled in a worksite wellness program [ 38 , 39 ].…”

A Call to Action for Dissemination and Implementation Science

“…A viable alternative is to conduct a rigorous but realistic evaluation that flows well alongside practice realities and can provide much-needed answers about effectiveness and effect. An example of such a project is the pragmatic evaluation of a weight management program implemented at the workplace (13). This project's goal was to evaluate the fidelity and estimate the effectiveness of a novel health system employee weight management program.…”