C. EVERETT KOOP NATIONAL HEALTH AWARDS

Pitney Bowes Critique

Pitney Bowes has a well established reputation for valuing and investing in the well-being of its’ employees. This program is a multi-dimensional, highly integrated health care and welfare benefits strategy that uses data to drive program evolution and improvement. The central theme of ‘Power of Two’ is the shared responsibility and commitment of the employees and Pitney Bowes to work together to improve health and well-being. In 1993, Pitney Bowes piloted the first phase of the ‘Power of Two’ (Health Care University). These programs are extended and integrate all areas of health care including demand, disease, and disability management. The initiative is designed to address health care needs for participants regardless of current health status. It also focuses on insuring participant health care access to efficient providers, and maximization of participant interaction with the health care system. This is the second National Health Award for this excellent program.

SPECIFIC COMMENTS INCLUDED:

The program has an overall participation rate of 40%. The maternity program is integrated with the health plan. Disease management is offered to retirees and dependents. Emergency room visits have been down and the number of people at high risk has declined. Excellent use of integrated data and comprehensive evaluation of multiple program components. An appropriate design and analysis strategy is described. Adjustments for confounders between participant and non-participant groups were made and an appropriate time-series analysis performed. Data are presented for several years representing a large number of encounters. This program is an excellent example of organizational commitment to improving employee health and productivity. There is continuous improvement based on strong evaluation and organizational commitment. All outcome measures showed desired health risk improvement and reduction in demand and cost for medical care.

RESERVATIONS INCLUDED:

Is there competition between the on-site clinics and local providers? High C-section rates continued in some locations. More explanation of the interventions could have strengthened results. The focus on the Healthy People 2000 goals was not as strong as it might have been.