Health Screening

Health Screening: How to Organize Onsite Health Testing

Health screening is used for early diagnosis of disease. Health screenings can reduce the risk of developing a condition or its complications. By worksite health testing it raises employees awareness of certain medical conditions and allows them early access to medical attention and disease management.

Many health screening tests are available that assist with identifying, reducing, and removing health risks which people may or or may be at risk of developing.

The following is a list of the major screening tests available that are important to maintaining good health and which are very often found in employee wellness programs and other group-based health promotion initiatives:

• Cholesterol – High cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. The most common worksite cholesterol test includes total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) measurements. A fasting profile can also be done that would include Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol), LDL Cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride measurements.
• Diabetes – Diabetes can cause serious complications including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and neuropathy. Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal levels. When you have diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or your body cannot use it’s own insulin properly. This will lead to a build up of sugar in the blood.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) – High blood pressure is considered to be a “silent killer” because it has no signs or symptoms but can be fatal. High blood pressure, which is left uncontrolled can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Blood pressure is taken by measuring the force of flowing blood against the artery walls. It is generally represented by two numbers. The systolic pressure, when the heart is contracting and the diastolic pressure, when the heart is at rest.

Other screening tests that you may elect to conduct in the worksite are osteoporosis, pulmonary function, depression, hearing and skin cancer exams.

Health Screening Step 1

At least six months in advance you will want to determine your health screening budget. Include the cost of the health screening ($15-$30 per employee), incentives and follow-up. Other costs may include table and chair rental if you do not have them available at your facility.

Health Screening Step 2

At least three months prior to your screening choose your dates and times. You need to take into consideration that a typical health screening for an employee lasts approximately 15 minutes. Make sure you schedule enough dates and times to accommodate all employees especially if you have more than one shift.

Health Screening Step 3

Once you have set your health screening dates and times, contact your local hospital or nurses association to set up your screening. Ask the health screening staff to arrive approximately 1 hour before the screening starts so they may have time to set up their equipment and allow time for any accommodations that may be needed. This is especially important if this is the first time you have held a screening at your worksite.

Health Screening Step 4

Plan the location of your health screening. You will have to provide tables and chairs for the screening and allow enough space for privacy. Electrical outlets are also necessary so the nurses can plug in their medical equipment. Outlets should be tested well in advance of the screening date. The area should also be relatively quiet in a low traffic area.

Health Screening Step 5

At least 2 months prior to the screening decide on a participation incentive. Place your incentive order as soon as possible so you have it in time for the screening. Incentives are necessary to reward employees for their participation.

Health Screening Step 6

One month prior to the screening, send out a mailing to all your employees indicating the date, time and place for the biometric testing. Make it a point to ensure all employees that their health information is completely confidential and that the employer will have no access to individual data. Also state that all employees that participate will be rewarded with an incentive.

Health Screening Step 7

One week prior to the screening, hang up posters advertising the screening and/or send out emails, payroll stuffers and table tents as a reminder to employees.

Health Screening Step 8

Day before the screening. Set up tables and chairs and make sure there is enough room for privacy and that all electrical outlets are in good working order.

You may want to consider using dividers or screens of some sort between health stations. This will allow for complete confidentiality.