A New Tool for Evaluating Worksite Health Programs
Author Information
Author(s): Diane O. Dunet, Phillip B. Sparling, James Hersey, Pamela Williams-Piehota, Mary D. Hill, Michele Reyes, Carl Hanssen, Frances Lawrenz
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
The SWAT evaluation method can effectively identify promising practices in worksite health promotion programs.
Conclusion
The SWAT method is a practical and effective tool for evaluating worksite health promotion programs to help prevent obesity.
Supporting Evidence
- The SWAT method was evaluated favorably by an independent team for its systematic procedures.
- Experts concluded that data from the SWAT method were sufficient to identify promising practices.
- The method is designed to be less costly and quicker than traditional evaluation studies.
- SWAT assessments fostered ongoing relationships between CDC and participating worksites.
Takeaway
The SWAT method helps workplaces quickly check if their health programs are good and can help people stay healthy.
Methodology
The SWAT method involves a 5-step evaluation process including site identification, site visits, evaluation of practices, capacity building, and dissemination of findings.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from only interviewing key informants and not participants in health programs.
Limitations
The SWAT method relies on summary data provided by worksites and does not collect individual-level data, which may affect data quality.
Participant Demographics
The method is designed for small (<300 employees) and medium-sized (<5,000 employees) worksites.
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