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Development and Implementation of Worksite Health and Wellness Programs: A Focus on Non-Communicable Disease.

Cahalin LP, Kaminsky L, Lavie CJ, Briggs P, Cahalin BL, Myers J, Forman DE, Patel MJ, Pinkstaff SO, Arena R. Development and Implementation of Worksite Health and Wellness Programs: A Focus on Non-Communicable Disease. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. 2015 Jul 1; 58(1):94-101.

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Abstract:

The development and implementation of worksite health and wellness programs (WHWPs) in the United States (US) hold promise as a means to improve population health and reverse current trends in non-communicable disease incidence and prevalence. However, WHWPs face organizational, economic, systematic, legal, and logistical challenges which have combined to impact program availability and expansion. Even so, there is a burgeoning body of evidence indicating WHWPs can significantly improve the health profile of participating employees in a cost effective manner. This foundation of scientific knowledge justifies further research inquiry to elucidate optimal WHWP models. It is clear that the development, implementation and operation of WHWPs require a strong commitment from organizational leadership, a pervasive culture of health and availability of necessary resources and infrastructure. Since organizations vary significantly, there is a need to have flexibility in creating a customized, effective health and wellness program. Furthermore, several key legal issues must be addressed to facilitate employer and employee needs and responsibilities; the US Affordable Care Act will play a major role moving forward. The purposes of this review are to: 1) examine currently available health and wellness program models and considerations for the future; 2) highlight key legal issues associated with WHWP development and implementation; and 3) identify challenges and solutions for the development and implementation of as well as adherence to WHWPs.




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