A mixed-method approach to tailor the implementation of a participatory Total Worker Health^® program

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Total Worker Health® (TWH) programs integrate occupational safety, health, and well-being.
• Successful TWH implementation requires strong organizational readiness, including leadership, communication, expertise, and worker participation.
• Existing methods for assessing TWH readiness are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel process for prospectively assessing organizational readiness for TWH programs.
• To identify implementation facilitators and barriers to strengthen organizational competencies.
• To optimize the organizational "fit" for participatory TWH program design and delivery.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method baseline assessment was employed.
• Instruments included an online organizational readiness survey and key leader interviews.
• The assessment was conducted with leaders in five US healthcare facilities.

Main Results:

• Organizational strengths, such as leadership commitment, were leveraged to form worker-led design teams.
• Barriers like staff time and communication challenges were identified.
• Proactive tailoring strategies, including training and communication tools, were developed in response to identified barriers.

Conclusions:

• A new method for prospective organizational readiness assessment for participatory TWH programs has been developed.
• This method effectively identifies organizational features crucial for preparation and tailored implementation.
• The approach supports optimizing TWH program implementation by addressing specific organizational contexts and needs.