HALO: A Wellness Program Combining Preventative Medical Examination with Motivational Interviewing

Background: Genetics and lifestyle choices can affect one’s overall health and poor diet, and exercise can contribute to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. An unhealthy lifestyle affects the individual and the overall health of the workplace. To improve the health of team members with chronic or pre-chronic conditions, a wellness program was developed.
The program named HALO (healthy actions for lifelong outcomes) was designed to improve health outcomes for team members with eligible chronic conditions and preventative care needs. The goal of the program was to empower participants to improve and manage their health using an individualized plan specific to their goals. By combining preventative medical examination with motivational interviewing during personalized meetings, the aim was to improve upon several metrics. The program evaluated metrics such as lab work, blood pressure, and body analysis to set health goals during the initial session. Health coaching techniques were implemented during monthly sessions guiding the participant to make lifestyle changes and reach their health goal(s).
Methods: The first cohort consisted of 85 team members from a large hospital system. Team members were from a variety of departments. Each participant had baseline labs drawn in the team member clinic; labs drawn included a lipid panel and A1C. Blood pressure was taken, and a body analysis was conducted using a body analysis scale. Results were reviewed with the participant during an individual session by a registered nurse certified as a health and well-being coach. During the initial session, health goals were determined. Subsequent coaching with motivational interviewing up to 7 sessions within 6 months took place. All sessions were conducted either in-person or virtually with an RN-certified health and well-being coach. At the 6-month mark labs were redrawn and progress toward health goal(s) was determined. Participants were followed up at 6-month intervals for a total of 18 months participation in the HALO program. Participants were rewarded with virtual cash which can be used to buy gift cards, $25 for each goal up to 3 at the first 6-month checkup and $50 for each goal up to 3 at the 12- and 18-month checkups.
Results: Of the 85 participants who began in the first cohort, 70 participants completed 18 months of the program. Overall positive gains were made across the board. Participation in the HALO program exhibited decreases in eight biometric indicators: decreasing systolic blood pressure (4.9%), diastolic blood pressure (.66%), A1C (3.4%), BMI (6.64%), body fat percentage (5.96%), total cholesterol (5.55%), LDL (7.28%), and triglycerides (3.4%) along with an increase in HDL (4.98%) all of which improves health outcomes.
Conclusion: The HALO program combining preventative medical examination and one-on-one coaching contributed to success in health outcomes in most of the participants. Following participants for 18 months ensured that lasting lifestyle changes were achieved. Since the first cohort, there have been 180 more team members enrolled and progressing toward their health goals.