Employee attitudes toward participation in a work site-based health and wellness clinic.

PURPOSE: To conduct a needs assessment to determine employee attitudes and barriers toward participation in a multidisciplinary work site-based health and wellness clinic. METHODS: A 21-question survey was developed and sent electronically to all available (n = 874) employees of a self-insured employer. RESULTS: Of the 303 survey respondents (34.7% response rate), 67.3% (n = 204) individuals indicated a desire to meet with a pharmacist regarding medication information. Medication therapy management (MTM) services most often selected by survey respondents included basic education about each medication and its intended purpose (33%, n = 100); education on self-care (30%, n = 91); and information on generic or less expensive alternative medications and strategies for cost savings (25.1%, n = 76). Eighty-eight (29%) respondents indicated a desire for preventive care counseling to receive guidance on recommended disease screenings, immunizations, and other recommended services. Additional interest was observed in nutrition coaching (n = 131, 43.2%) and exercise programming (n = 272, 89.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents indicated a desire to participate in a work site-based health and wellness clinic, regardless of baseline health status or medication use. These data provide insight into the needs and preferences of participants in work site wellness programs and shows the value of a needs assessment.

Preliminary results from a multidisciplinary university-based disease state management program focused on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implementation and evaluation of a pilot multidisciplinary disease state management (DSM) program for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia at a private, self-insured university (over 900 covered lives). METHODS: Enrollees met with a pharmacist, nurse, exercise physiologist, and students in these disciplines to improve clinical outcomes and fitness parameters. Clinical values, quality of life, patient knowledge of disease states, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients in the pilot program, 17 completed 1 nursing and 2 pharmacist visits; 8 completed exercise physiology visits. At baseline, elevated blood pressure readings were observed in 64.7% (11 of 17) of patients, 20% of those with diabetes (1 of 5) had an elevated hemoglobin A1c value (HbA1c), and 82.4% (14 of 17) had a cholesterol value that was not at goal. At least 1 medication-related problem was observed in 16 patients (94.1%). At 3 months, all patients with diabetes achieved HbA1c levels at or below 7%, 4 patients attained blood pressure control, and 1 achieved normal cholesterol readings. Patients characterized participation in the program as valuable and convenient. CONCLUSIONS: Patients involved in the multidisciplinary DSM showed improved clinical outcomes after 3 months. Ongoing analysis of patient outcomes will determine the long-term effectiveness of the DSM.