Selling health promotion programs: recommendations for occupational health nurses

1. Although some suggest that health promotion programs should not be conducted in the workplace, there is generally strong support for workplace programs by both the public and private sectors. 2. Many published reports of cost savings attributed to health promotion programs are available. The calculations of cost savings contain many flaws and generally do not reflect a comprehensive analysis of all costs associated with programs, especially those associated with changes in death rates and longevity. 3. Specific recommendations for occupational health nurses include: analysis of the corporate situation; integration of programs with occupational health and safety activities; involvement of all levels of workers in planning and promoting the programs; evaluation through employee participation and satisfaction, not by cost benefit analysis; and consideration of offering programs to family members. 4. Nursing as a whole should provide leadership for implementing programs to promote health and prevent disease. The worksite offers unique opportunities for occupational health nurses to implement the Healthy People 2000 objectives to enhance the health of working adults.