Abstract
BackgroundA web-based tool was developed and piloted by being made available to healthcare staff in Wales from September 2012 to March 2013. This evaluation included two primary outcome measures: general health and mental well-being, and six secondary outcome measures: sickness absence, alcohol use, healthy eating, smoking, physical activity and maintaining a healthy BMI. The aim was to assess the feasibility of a web-based tool to improve health behaviours in healthcare staff.MethodsHealthcare staff joined via a website, chose two of five challenges, and recorded their health behaviours using an online tool on a regular basis. Evaluation was undertaken by comparing baseline and follow up questionnaires.Results1708 individuals explored the programme’s website, of whom 1320 selected two lifestyle challenges to address. Of these 346 individuals (26.2%; 346/1320) completed the end of project evaluation questions for the main outcome and provided the basis of the evaluation. Comparing pre:post data among respondents who engaged with the programme as a whole, self-reported general health status improved in 35.3% (n = 122, p = 0.001); mental health status improved in 33% (n = 110, p = 0.02); alcohol consumption score (AUDIT-C classification) fell in 27.2% (n = 71, p = 0.001); reported fruit and vegetable consumption (7 day recall) increased (p = 0.001); average time spent on vigorous exercise increased from 40.6 minutes a week to 67.6 minutes a week (p = 0.001); and 41 individuals noted a positive change to their BMI classification category (p = 0.001).ConclusionsCombining interactive web-based tools as part of a multi-media programme is feasible, increases health behaviours and generates interest among a proportion of the healthcare workforce. Further work is required to improve maintenance of engagement over time.
Highlights
A web-based tool was developed and piloted by being made available to healthcare staff in Wales from September 2012 to March 2013
The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a web-based tool to improve health behaviours in healthcare staff
The tool was provided to healthcare workers rather than patients, as it was hoped that staff would be able to use their daily contact with patients to role model and cascade out positive health behaviours
Summary
A web-based tool was developed and piloted by being made available to healthcare staff in Wales from September 2012 to March 2013. This evaluation included two primary outcome measures: general health and mental well-being, and six secondary outcome measures: sickness absence, alcohol use, healthy eating, smoking, physical activity and maintaining a healthy BMI. Internet-based health promotion programmes typically have had a small but significant effect on health behaviour [7]. This real world evaluation grew out of a desire to develop a web-based platform with modules on healthy eating, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol intake, and smoking cessation. The PDSA (plan, do, study, act) model [11], which includes setting specific manageable goals, reflecting on their progress, and adjusting behaviour [12]
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