Improving Employee Health

Lessons from an RCT

Journal article (2017)

Authors

L.P.A. Simons Interactive Intelligence - EEMCS
Maurits P.J. Hafkamp Leiden University Medical Center
David van Bodegom Leiden University Medical Center
A Dumaij External organisation
C.M. Jonker Interactive Intelligence - EEMCS
Research Group
Interactive Intelligence (EEMCS) (TU Delft)
Engagement EHealth Ownership Healthy lifestyle intervention Randomised controlled trial RCT work site health productivity Health check
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Published Date

27-11-2017

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Department

Intelligent Systems

Research Group

Interactive Intelligence

Abstract

Work site healthy lifestyle interventions hold promise for improving health and employability. As part of a larger employer vitality program and a work site randomised controlled trial (RCT, n = 59 intervention arm) to assess cardiac risk impacts, we conducted a design analysis on a hybrid eHealth solution. The control condition was six weeks waiting list and then start of the hybrid eHealth support (n = 57). Our analysis supports three conclusions. First, the hybrid eHealth intervention did significantly improve physical risk factor variables after six weeks. Motivation and measurement alone (waiting list) did not. Second, theory on timing of health support for patients appeared generalisable to employees: it did help to offer support at a moment of high motivation, instead of later. Hence, offering employees active health support directly after physical measurements (health check-ups) is more effective for improving health and self-management than the common practice of focusing on the employee check-up itself. Third, a design analysis was conducted to help improve ICT-enabled health interventions. This resulted in several recommendations and improved user adoption.