Using the EPIS Framework to Implement a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention at a Large Academic Healthcare...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Low levels of physical activity (PA) are prevalent among employees.
• Workplace health promotion programs are crucial for addressing sedentary behavior.
• The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework offers a structured approach to program implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation process of a workplace health promotion initiative.
• To evaluate the feasibility of a step-count challenge to increase employee PA.
• To utilize the EPIS framework for guiding the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week workplace step-count challenge was implemented using the EPIS framework.
• All health system employees were invited to participate in the PA intervention.
• Data collection focused on the exploration, preparation, and implementation phases, including exit interviews.

Main Results:

• Inadequate employee PA was identified during the exploration phase.
• A step-count intervention leveraging smartphone accelerometers was developed and evaluated.
• Participants received regular motivational messages and challenge updates, with feedback collected via exit interviews.

Conclusions:

• Workplace health promotion focusing on employee PA is feasible.
• The EPIS framework effectively guided the implementation of the PA intervention.
• Employee engagement and feedback are vital for successful health promotion programs.