A Program Evaluation of an Integrative Wellness Program

Abstract

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression exist in 45% of the U.S. population and are responsible for 70% of the deaths and 75% of the $2 trillion in annual medical expenditures. Healthy eating, being physically active, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco have well-documented relationships to improved health and well-being, and chronic disease prevention.Integrative healthcare, a holistic approach to care that is patient-centered, personalized, and focused on health and well-being, incorporates conventional and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Integrative healthcare has the potential to provide high quality care that prevents illness and promotes optimal wellness, resulting in decreased health care costs and a healthier nation. Although integrative healthcare is increasing in popularity, few integrative healthcare programs have been studied and relatively little is known about the processes, outcomes, feasibility, efficacy, effectiveness, or sustainability of these programs.The purpose of this project was to evaluate selected organizational processes and patient outcomes of an integrative health care program. The three specific aims of the project were to analyze the program theory through the development and evaluation of the program logic model, to evaluate selected organizational processes, and to examine selected client outcomes, including satisfaction.This inquiry used the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation as a guide. The study employed a descriptive design with both qualitative and quantitative methods, including key informant interviews with program staff and a client focus group. De-identified data on pre and post measurements of client Wellness Inventory scores, weight, BMI, and advanced cardiac panels, and post program surveys obtained from the program director were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the paired t test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.The evaluation of an existing integrative healthcare program provides potentially useful information to the stakeholders of the program and a valuable referral resource for other providers in the community. Dissemination of the information may also be used as a model and an inspiration for other advanced practice nurses to develop innovative practice models that support holistic, wellness-focused care.