COVID-19 Implications on Worksite Wellness Programming.

Seven of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States are due to chronic diseases and treating these accounts for 86 percent of our nation's health care costs. The workplace offers an environment to implement chronic disease prevention strategies, such as worksite wellness programs, due to the large amount of time spent at the worksite daily by employees. As a result of COVID-19, many organizations began to change their workdays (i.e., working from home). This research sought to understand what, if any, implications the COVID-19 epidemic had on worksite wellness programming. Semistructured interviews were employed and recorded via Zoom conferencing to gather qualitative data. Four themes were identified: (a) relationship building among remote employees, (b) creativity in how to carry out program components, (c) increased physical activity and work-life balance, and (d) increased knowledge of health issues and mental health resources. Both challenges and successes were reported within themes. The main finding from this research indicates a mostly positive experience for worksite wellness programs during the COVID-19 epidemic. Many organizations have continued nontraditional work environments and the lessons learned from this study can both encourage and provide ideas for how to create and continue a worksite wellness program outside of the normal face-to-face working environment.

Motivational Interviewing and Chronic Care Management Using the Transtheoretical Model of Change.

The number of Americans living with chronic health conditions has steadily increased. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and cost the healthcare system an estimated $4.1 trillion dollars a year. The role of social workers in assisting patients in the management of their chronic diseases is vital. The behavioral health changes often required of chronic care management (CCM) patients require support and intervention by professionals to help the patient improve self-management of their chronic health conditions. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that helps people change by paying attention to the language patients use as they discuss their change goals and behaviors. Applying the principles and strategies of MI within the stages of change model (transtheoretical model of change) can help social workers better understand and assist patients receiving CCM. This article outlines specific strategies the social worker can use to address motivation at different stages of change.

A cross-sectional study correlating degeneration of the cervical spine with disability and pain in United kingdom patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between degeneration of all the joints in the cervical spine, and to identify the effects of litigation on pain and disability levels in trauma and nontrauma patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The link between spinal degeneration and patient symptoms remains controversial. Two recent similar studies present conflicting results concerning the association between spinal degeneration and symptomatology. These two studies, performed in different countries, did not consider the impact of impending litigation on self-reported pain and disability levels. The role of the uncovertebral and facet articulations has hitherto not been investigated. METHODS: Radiographic and questionnaire data from 180 consecutive patients with neck pain were collected. Neck pain severity was measured using two time-dependent scales. All patients completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and questions about chronicity, etiology, and associated litigation. The radiographs were evaluated for the number of levels of degeneration and the severity of degeneration in the discs as well as the uncovertebral and facet articulations. RESULTS: In this study, 71 patients (40.57%) reported neck pain as a result of injury. However, only 5.1% had associated litigation. There was no statistically significant difference in pain severity or disability levels between the patients with and those without cervical degeneration. According to the findings, the number of levels of cervical degeneration and the severity of degeneration in the discs, facets, and uncovertebral joints are not related to the levels of pain and disability. Patients reporting neck pain caused by injury had a tendency (P = 0.055) to more pain during the preceding week and significantly more disability (P < 0.001). Significant differences included pain intensity (P < 0.025), reading (P < 0.001), headaches (P < 0.025), ability to drive (P < 0.01), and concentration (P < 0.01). Women reported significantly more pain (P < 0.01) and disability (P < 0.001) than men, but did not have more degeneration in any of the joints. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with neck pain, there is no difference in reported pain and disability levels between those with and those without evidence of cervical spine degeneration. Patients whose neck pain is the result of trauma report significantly more pain and disability than nontrauma patients. This is not because of more spinal degeneration or overriding litigation issues.

Residential adolescent substance abuse treatment: recommendations for collaboration between school health and substance abuse treatment personnel.

Thousands of youth participate in residential substance abuse treatment each year. After completing treatment, many of these youth return to school. This study analyzed the process of substance abuse treatment at the Generations Youth Program, and identified opportunities for collaboration with school health personnel. A qualitative case study design was employed. Analysis of the treatment process revealed the primary goal of treatment was to assist youth in developing a belief in their ability to remain sober. This goal was achieved through a peer support network, development of self-control, and acquisition of treatment knowledge. Youth who develop these skills are successfully discharged from treatment and return to home and school. Opportunities exist for collaboration between school health and substance abuse treatment personnel to enable discharged youth to remain drug free.