Health Care Expenditures for University and Academic Medical Center Employees Enrolled in a Pilot Workplace Health Partner Intervention

Effectiveness of Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) interventions in university employees: a scoping review

Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) interventions proved to be effective in several workplace contexts. Currently, the effectiveness of such interventions in the academic workplace is lacking, albeit evidence suggests similar patterns to those occurring in other workplace sectors. The aim of this study was to review WHP interventions in the university workplace that led to improve health- and work-related outcomes. Articles were selected using Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinhal and FSTA, using search strings focused on health- and/or work-related outcomes and involving University WHP interventions published between January 2010 and July 2021. The majority of the 12 studies selected reported positive results in their individuality, especially regarding health-related outcomes [biological such as weight loss, physical activity, mental health and lifestyle habits] and work-related outcomes concerning improvements either for the employee or for the working system. Studies on economic advantage and Return on Investment were limited and reported contrasting results. In conclusion, we have highlighted how the studies on effectiveness of WHP interventions in the university context are few and heterogeneous and need to be encouraged further research in order to build specific guidelines that are effective.

The Effect of a Comprehensive Care Transition Model on Cost and Utilization for Medically Complex Children With Cerebral Palsy

INTRODUCTION

Our aim was to evaluate cost and acute care utilization related to an organized approach to care coordination and transitional care after major acute care hospitalization for children with medical complexities, including cerebral palsy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 32 patients from Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital (RJPBH) who received the Care Beyond the Bedside model was compared with 151 patients receiving standard care elsewhere across Missouri. Claims data (2007-2012) were obtained from MoHealthNet, Missouri's Medicaid program, for all children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy (defined using approximated Gross Motor Function Classification System levels) who had at least one hospital visit during the study period (N = 183). Risk-adjusted linear and Poisson regression models were used to analyze per-member-per-month costs and three indicators of acute care utilization (emergency department visits, readmissions, and inpatient days).

RESULTS

RJPBH patients were associated with statistically significant reductions in per-member-per-month costs (-21%), hospital readmissions (-66%), and inpatient days (-57%).

DISCUSSION

RJPBH's enhanced interprofessional medical home-like model, including intense care coordination, psychosocial therapy, family and caregiver empowerment, and transitional care, may be keys to reducing cost and unnecessary hospital use for children with medical complexities with cerebral palsy who receive Medicaid.