Chapter 4: Research on the Integration of Employee Assistance,Work-Life and Wellness Services

SUMMARY

This article will focus on the research exploring the degree to which organizational integration of Employee Assistance, Work/Family and Wellness Programs has evolved since the early 1990s. The first study reviewed is the National Study of EAP and Work/Family Programs conducted in 1994 by Boston University's Center on Work and Family in which 100 of the top family friendly companies were inter viewed. Two major studies conducted under the guidance of the Employee Assistance Professional Association (EAPA) are then reviewed. The Phase I research conducted in 2001 was a large-scale survey of the professionals in fields of EAP and Work-life (N = 950). The Phase II research conducted in 2002 was comprised of two stages: A pilot study surveying vendors in the EAP and Work-life fields (N = 213) and a qualitative study consisting of in-depth interviews with vendors from all three professions (N = 79). The overall theme from this body of research is one of dramatically increasing movement and market demand for some form of collaboration/integration of service delivery. Finally, the chapter offers recommendations for further research regarding integration of services as well as implications for the professional fields.     

Chapter 5: Perspectives on the Integration of Employee Assistance and Work-Life Programs

SUMMARY

A recent qualitative study explored perceptions of critical issues and challenges from the point of view of experts and key informants working in diverse roles in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) field (Sharar & Hertenstein, 2005). One of the central themes that came out of the study is that EAPs have become a type of platform for the expansion of integrated collateral services, chiefly work-life (WL) programs. This paper presents a variety of perceptions and opinions from experts in the EAP field, both pro and con, on the growing convergence of EA and WL programs, including the rationale to integrate, segregate, and concerns regarding the diffusion of traditional and core EAPs. The paper concludes with the authors? perspectives on implications for the EA field, along with the need to find ways to measure if and when integration leads to employee and organizational improvement.     

Chapter 6: University of Arizona Life & Work Connections

SUMMARY

The concept of integration has emerged in recent years as a strategy considered by providers of employee assistance, wellness and work-life services to meet the changing needs of the organizations they serve. There continues to be much discussion, however, about what exactly integration is, and how to do it. Beginning with a definition of integration, this article seeks to contribute to the discussion by describing the University of Arizona (UA) Life & Work Connections, a program that was conceived from its development to be an integrated service model. The theoretical and philosophical backgrounds of the program are presented and translated into the UA Life & Work Connections model. Advantages of the model and challenges to integration are discussed, and a detailed case study of a critical incident response is presented.     

Chapter 2: The Business Case for the Integration of Employee Assistance,Work-Life and Wellness Services

SUMMARY

Employee assistance programs (EAP), work-life programs and wellness programs are three commonly provided kinds of interventions that have the goals of reducing healthcare costs, improving employee performance and fostering a healthier workplace culture. The integration of these kinds of programs is a recent trend that has the potential to offer additional synergistic benefits. New studies have linked comprehensive delivery services that support human capital needs with bottom-line financial success of the company. This evidence can be used to make the business case for offering EAP, work-life and wellness services in an integrated capacity. However, while promising, the scientific evidence thus far in this area has methodological limitations and there are critical aspects that require further study.     

Trends in college students’ mental health diagnoses and utilization of services, 2009–2015

Abstract

Objective: To examine changes in diagnoses/treatment for 12 mental health (MH) conditions, previous use of campus MH services, and willingness to seek MH services in the future. Participants: ACHA–NCHA II participants from 2009 to 2015 (n?=?454,029). Methods: Hierarchical binary logistic regression with step 1 controlling for demographics and step 2 considering time. Results: Time was significant except for bipolar disorder, bulimia, and schizophrenia with increases for all conditions except substance abuse. Anxiety (OR?=?1.68), panic attacks (OR?=?1.61), and ADHD (OR?=?1.40) had the highest odd ratios. Use of MH services at current institution (OR?=?1.30) and willingness to utilize services in the future (OR?=?1.37) also increased over time. Conclusions: Based on a national sample, self-reported diagnoses/treatment of several MH conditions are increasing among college students. This examination of a variety of MH issues can aid college health professionals to engage institutional stakeholders regarding the resources needed to support college students’ MH.     

A Review of Automated Assessment

Summary

The following briefly overviews current computer tools available for clinical testing, diagnostic, and interviewing purposes. The impact of these computer-based assessment tools is then assessed in terms of empirical evidence regarding their performance and client response. The paper concludes with a discussion of training needs ana issues.     

Self- and Caregiver-Reported Experiences of Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) who were living in community settings with the aid of government-supported services. Six male and 10 female volunteer subjects (mean age = 24 years) were interviewed and the narrative data were analyzed revealing themes in six categories: (1) Home Life, (2) Relationships, (3) Health and Health Care, (4) Personal Growth and Accomplishments, (5) Occupation, and (6) Transportation. Subjects' most positive experiences were associated with integrated, comprehensive and timely services delivered by knowledgeable and sensitive service providers. Strong parental advocacy facilitated these features. Additionally, experiences were most positive when daily activities occurred within the sphere of either family or the disability community, as opposed to the broader community.

Research is suggested to further understand the dynamics of integration in the broader community and to devise strategies to successfully facilitate this integration.     

Who is willing to come back? College students' willingness to seek help after using campus mental health services

Objective: To examine characteristics of college students who have previously received mental health (MH) services on campus and are willing to seek help again in the future. Participants: Spring 2015 ACHA-NCHA II (N = 12,501) undergraduate respondents who had previously used MH services on their current campus. Methods: Binary logistic regression with willingness to seek MH services in the future as the dependent variable. Results: Among students who had already utilized campus MH services, significant predictors for future help-seeking were: female, white, gay/lesbian, those not working for pay, having the college/university health insurance plan, and not currently/previously serving in the military (p < .05). Conclusions: The predictors for willingness to use services in the future were consistent with the existing literature related to initial use. Colleges and universities need to consider factors that influence openness to MH services after a previous experience in addition to initiating care. Implications for college MH professionals are provided.     

Media Production as Therapy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The rapidly changing communication environment of the digital age has generated needed discussion regarding implications of media technologies for social work practice. Yet scarce research has considered the therapeutic value of media technologies for social work practice. This systematic review explores how media production is used as a therapeutic intervention in human services to identify the therapeutic value and potential challenges of its application in the field. Media Production as Therapy (MPT) affords a range of therapeutic outcomes, including self- and community-awareness, self-reflection and self-correction practices, self-expression and story-sharing, and processing trauma. Challenges confronted through MPT include time and resource constraints, logistical difficulties, issues of authenticity, and dissemination concerns. Despite limited research, this review provides needed guidance for social workers to harness technology for social good, operating in the digital space to implement MPT interventions that afford a range of therapeutic benefits to clients in an increasingly mediated world.     

Human Resource Issues in University Health Services

Abstract

To provide first-rate services to students, college health services need the best possible staff. Managers and supervisors play a critical role in guiding the work of their employees so as to enhance performance. Reference checks for new employees and regular performance appraisal dialogues for ongoing employees are important tools in this process. The author discusses these issues and suggests formats for reference checks and performance appraisals.     

Using Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology to Integrate Research into the Field Practicum

SUMMARY

This article reports on efforts to answer some basic questions arising in the introduction of technology into the social work curriculum. It involves an on-going project to integrate research into field instruction by training students to use Geographic Information System technology to identify and meet information needs of their field placement agency. Background on the project is given, with discussion of three concerns that shaped it. An explanation of how GIS works and how it can be used in the human service agency is provided, along with an account of the project's outcome. Preliminary conclusions regarding future efforts are offered.     

Chapter 19: Work-Life and EAPs in the United Kingdom and Europe

Abstract

This article describes the development and current degree of integration of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Work-life (WL) professions in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. It is based on a qualitative survey of leading providers and industry consultants conducted by the authors specifically for this publication. The study results suggest that the process of integrating the two industries in the UK and Europe has not been the issue it has in North America to date. While they can be distinct services to employers, in the UK and Europe WL and EAP have grown together and there has been little competition between the two professions. Instead, they are generally seen as synergistic and are usually offered to employers as a combined product, with a seamless delivery to employees. Despite this already high level of integration, there are significant future challenges for both professions.     

Variations to the Imen-Delphi procedure aimed at helping in the emergence of communities of interests

Abstract

The Imen-Delphi (ID) procedure was designed in the early 1990s in order to facilitate a discussion among a group of panellists sharing a common future interest. The goal of the ID procedure was to help the participants clarify their opinions and expectations regarding their preferable and possible futures. Thus, it helped them commit themselves to the task of implementing their desirable agreed-upon future (Passig 1993).

This paper aims, after a decade of using the technique, to evaluate its potential for Futures Research. In this paper, we scan a variety of studies that have been conducted using the ID procedure. The paper highlights the variables of the ID versions and discusses their benefits for the study of the future.     

Rural and Urban Differences Among Mental Health Consumers in One Midwestern State

Abstract

This study examines differences in rural and urban mental health service utilization and service satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather information from a sample of 311 mental health consumers regarding their use of services relative to accessibility, availability, affordability, and acceptability. Data were collected from respondents individually or in small groups in various locations in one Midwestern state. Study findings showed that rural consumers are aware of fewer services, use fewer services, and are less satisfied with services than are urban consumers. Implications for rural mental health policy, practice, and future research are discussed.     

Chapter 14: Fairview Alive—An Integrated Strategy for Enhancing the Health and Well-Being of Employees

Abstract

This article describes the successful integration between EAP and wellness programs at Fairview Health Services-a program called Fairview Alive.A brief history of integration between EAP and wellness at Fairview is provided including the shared mission these two programs serve at Fairview. Next, this article outlines the Population Health Model on which Fairview Alivewas built, and the specific programs and services provided under each segment of this model. This article then focuses on how Fairview addresses depressionone of their largest cost drivers-in a coordinated effort. Finally, preliminary outcomes from a comprehensive program evaluation, including the impact on medical costs, workers compensation costs and absenteeism costs, are discussed.     

Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women and Serum Androgens: A Review Article

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to narratively summarize the effects of serum androgens on sexual function of postmenopausal women and the impact of administration of various types of androgens in improving the sexual function of these women. Methods: After searching for articles indexed in various databases, a total of 59 studies were selected. Results: There appears to be a great deal of controversy regarding the relationship between androgens and sexual function and the beneficiary effect of androgens therapy. Conclusions: Androgens may affect sexual function; however, androgen therapy, as an option for improving sexual function in menopause, needs further research.     

Chapter 16: Integration of Occupational Health Services in the Federal Sector

Abstract

Federal Occupational Health (FOH) is a federal sector model of the integration and collaboration of occupational health (OH) programs that includes on-site health clinics, and environmental health as well as EAP, work-life, and wellness/fitness programs. This article reviews several aspects of integration at various levels of this public health organization.

The broad objectives of occupational health programs are to promote, support, and provide a healthy and productive, highly functioning workforce to the employer. FOH staff has special expertise and knowledge related to federal procedures, regulations and agency culture, as well as the OH disciplines. With its mission to provide occupational health services to federal agencies and federal employees, FOH has the unique opportunity to provide integrated OH services, thereby providing a more comprehensive approach to the occupational health care of the individual employee, as well as a more comprehensive approach to the health and productivity efforts of the federal agencies.

Although we have made strides and engage in continuing efforts to promote integrated programs and care, a number of additional program enhancements are in discussion and/or in process. FOH is a unique entity and the largest provider of comprehensive OH services within the federal government. It has achieved some notable success with the integration of its services across various levels of the organization with different federal organizations. Efforts have been particularly successful in bringing a coordinated response to various crises and emergency situations. With increasing knowledge and data on the benefits of integration, FOH is working to reduce both internal and external organizational barriers to bring integration of services to their maximum potential.     

Causal Thinking and Computer Literacy

Summary

Professional practice in the human services often is based on implicit theories of causality regarding assessment of a problem and related interventions in a client's life. Complex applications of computing to this kind of professional activity require literacy about the underlying processes by which individuals make causal judgments. This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding three components of causal thinking, the causal field, cues-to-causality, and causal theories, and their relationship to computing applications. For each component, several cognitive heuristics are described that can help individuals understand the components of causal thinking and link them to computer applications that might enhance the quality of professional practice.     

Challenges,Barriers, and Opportunities: Social Workers With Disabilities and Experiences in Field Education

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of social work students with disabilities in field education. This qualitative inquiry used semistructured interviews exploring inclusion and accommodations in field education. The 15 participants were graduates of accredited BSW or MSW programs and reported one to five disabilities each. Four themes emerged: different experiences with visible versus invisible disability, confusion about accommodation, field as a learning opportunity regarding disability, and a sense of isolation being a social worker with a disability. This study provides information valuable to social work educators and field instructors regarding strategies for improving opportunities for students with disabilities as future social workers, aligning with the mission and values of the social work profession.