Final Report of the Andalusian Implementation of JA CHRODIS Workplace Health Promotion Good Practice

Abstract

Chronic diseases such as chronic respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability around the world. As the most important identified modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases are tobacco use, inadequate physical activity and poor diets, Workplace Health Promotioninterventions are thought to be strategic to avoid or delay the onset of chronic diseases.The present report documents the Andalusian pilotimplementation of certain elements of the “Lombardy Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) Network” (a Good Practice identified by the Joint Action CHRODIS for the prevention of chronic diseases). This implementation is the single one experience within the Joint Action CHRODIS PLUS (JAC+)focusing on a health promotion intervention on adults and, more specifically, in workplace settings. Following a common implementation strategy defined by JAC+ that enables an evidence-based reporting of the defined intervention, this report shares the systematic implementation process conducted and illustrates the experience of the cross-national transfer of a practice, providing useful guidance, ideas and suggestionsfor future similar attempts. With the collaboration of the Lombardy Region, the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health coordinated the pilot implementation in two sites: a public-private venture and a trade union(amedium-and small-sizedorganization, respectively). The Lombardy model was identified to fit the Andalusian existing WHP Programme the best because of its comprehensive and detailed continuity system, as well as the high managerial and workforce engagement attained, and the rewarding accreditation system they defined. Based upon a series of situational analyses, five categories of actions and their quantitative and qualitative indicators were decided for the actual Pilot Action Plan aimingto ensure, among other objectives, the organizational endorsement of WHP, the workforce participation in the actions, and the sustainability and continuity of participating organizations. Introductory sessions (onthe implementation areas ofhealthy lifestyles)were first broadly presented to at least 50% of the total number of employees in each organization. Then, according to the Lombardy model, each organization chose, among a battery of health promotion actions, two specific areas to focus and carryout (mainly, but not exclusively,healthy eating and physical activity). Each organization was advised by qualified professionals who supported and provided guidance throughout all the implementation process (creation of an internal steering group, conducting the series of general and/or in-depth practical sessions, etc.). A quasi-experimental pre-post design without control group or randomization of participants was also conducted in an attempt to monitorapossibleshift in different life habits and/or health indicators among the participants. After the first 9 months of intervention, global results from the T-test were not found statistically significant, although specific results (comparing pre-post percentages) pointed out promising increases in physical activity among participants of both organizations, as well as an increase in healthy eating and a decrease in sweets consumption in participants of the larger organization. Yet, employees in both organizations were very satisfied with the actions initiated and they regarded them as being highly useful. The highest managerial level of each organization significantly contributed to the implementation and made conditions for employees to participate. The piloting will continue for an additional two-year period, to follow-up the complete implementation of the original Lombardy 3-year cycle.Barriers, enablersand were pointed out as well as useful suggestions for future implementations.