A Multi-Site Evaluation of A National Employee Wellness Initiative at the Department of Veterans Affairs

Autor: Freny Shah MD, Joanna R. Sells PhD, Jennifer Werthman PhD, MBA, RN, NE-BC, Corrine Abraham DNP, RN, Asma M. Ali PhD, Carol Callaway-Lane DNP, ACNP-BC
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Global Advances in Health and Medicine, Vol 11 (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2164-9561
21649561
DOI: 10.1177/21649561211053805
Popis: Background The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks to transform its health care delivery from disease-centered, episodic care to a holistic and patient-centered model known as the Whole Health System (WHS) of care. Employee engagement and buy-in are crucial to this cultural transformation. The VA aspires to provide employees with opportunities to experience whole health in their personal and professional lives through a national Employee Whole Health (EWH) program. Although there are national recommendations, different local facilities may have unique strategies and challenges as they implement this program. Objective This study aimed to conduct a program evaluation of EWH at three different VA facilities across the United States in order to identify facilitators and barriers to the implementation of EWH. Methods The team used the RE-AIM framework to develop an interview guide to assess various domains of implementation. Quantitative data on whole health offerings at each site were gauged using a national employee education platform. Standardized employee-related metrics at each site were assessed using the annual, national VA employee survey. Results EWH has had variable implementation at the three sites. Sites noted main facilitators as employee interest as well as available skills and expertise for delivering complementary and integrative care to employees. Limited staffing for EWH and a lack of dedicated employee time were cited as barriers. The infrastructure to perform local program evaluations to demonstrate effectiveness and impact were missing. Conclusion Employee engagement in whole health activities has the potential to support the VA’s mission to transform its health care delivery model. Currently, the use of EWH and its potential impact are difficult to discern based on available information. Local sites need guidance to conduct program evaluations and find creative solutions to enhance employee participation. A robust measurement system to demonstrate effectiveness is paramount to ensure the success of this initiative.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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