HPB researchers awarded $3.15 million NIH grant to improve chronic disease management in the workplace

smith-m-l-web__0wilson-mark-web-2012 Researchers at the University of Georgia College of Public Health have received a 5-year, $3.15 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) aimed at improving opportunities for individuals to better manage their chronic illness in the workplace.

Chronic diseases – such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer – are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Yet, these diseases can often be prevented or better managed with early detection, improved diet, exercise, and interactions with healthcare professionals.

Dual Principal Investigators leading the grant are Dr. Mark Wilson, associate dean and professor, and Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at Texas A&M University School of Public Health.

“It is estimated that the number of workers between the ages of 65 and 74 will increase by 83 percent from 2006 to 2016, and those age 75 and older will increase by 84 percent,” Wilson said. “Many of these older workers will have one or more chronic diseases.”

Obesity is also a major concern, Wilson said. The rates for obesity-related chronic conditions are rising among the younger adult population, which means they will live with chronic diseases and related symptoms for longer periods of time.

“All of these problems can lead to job loss or premature departure from the workforce,” Wilson said. “As a result, disease management is becoming an increasingly important part of maintaining a productive, competitive and ultimately healthy American workforce.”

To address this public health issue, Wilson and Smith will lead a team of UGA researchers to translate Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for increased use in workplace settings.

Offered in over 30 countries, the CDSMP is one of the best known and highly regarded self-management programs for people with chronic conditions.  The small-group, highly interactive workshops are six weeks long and focus on problems common to individuals dealing with any chronic condition, such as pain management, nutrition, exercise, medication use, and communicating with doctors.

Wilson and Smith will examine how CDSMP workshops specifically adapted to workplace settings can influence health outcomes, work performance, and productivity.  Additionally, the UGA project will estimate the costs of implementing the program, as well as assess cost-effectiveness and return on investment for employers and communities.

The newly tailored programs will be implemented at seven worksites in Colquitt County, Ga.  The Moultrie YMCA, led by director Greg Coop, has partnered with the UGA project to deliver the workshops and foster a sustainable presence in the community.

Although CDSMP workshops can be readily found in community settings such as senior centers, faith-based organizations, libraries, and hospitals, the adoption of this program in workplace settings has been minimal, Smith said.

“Time constraints and other logistical impediments have offered challenges for health promotion practitioners interested in implementing these programs at the worksite,” said Smith. “We see the translation of CDSMP as an essential and important opportunity to ensure worksites can take advantage of this robust and effective program, which, in turn, will ensure it reaches employees that need these program benefits.”

Co-Principal Investigators on the grant include Dr. David DeJoy, professor emeritus of health promotion and behavior, and Dr. Phaedra Corso, professor of health policy and management, both in the College of Public Health; and Dr. Robert Vandenberg, professor of management in the Terry College of Business.  This team of researchers has a history of successful collaboration as part of the College of Public Health’s Workplace Health Group (WHG).  External consultants include Dr. Kate Lorig at Stanford University and Dr. Marcia Ory at the Texas A&M Health Science Center.  Dr. Lorig is the developer of CDSMP.

Additional coverage in Athens Banner Herald, Atlanta Business Chronicle, WUGA-FM, DPH PHWEEK, Columns. Read the press release at UGA News Services.

– Rebecca Ayer

Posted April 17, 2014.