Connecticut hospital launches employee incentive program based on health and wellness

One Connecticut hospital is trying its hand at employee incentive programs and corporate health and wellness initiatives by launching a new remote blood pressure monitoring program for its employees.

Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, launched the new blood pressure remote monitoring program to help its workforce and their families detect risk factors associated with heart disease as early as possible while improving their overall health in the process.

The hospital’s employee incentive program hinges on feedback from employees and their family members with its design to help control and reduce one of the facility’s top medical claims expense areas. Although one of the major detractors in effective incentive and wellness programs is a lack of participation on the part of the workforce, the program has garnered an impressive response in its first 30 days, with more than 100 participants registered.

“Regular cardiovascular screening, including blood pressure screening, is important because it helps detect risk factors at the earliest stages,” said Carolyn Torella, regional communications director of the American Heart Association. “These numbers can serve as a wake-up call for many patients and help get them on track with lifestyle changes or medical interventions before damage is done. Prevention is key, and knowing your numbers is the first step.”

Stamford Hospital is basing its employee incentive and wellness program off the the umbrella “Wellness U” initiative. The Wellness U committee and senior leadership at the hospital have made it their mission to provide members with the resources that are crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle including tools and resources. Biometric, screenings, prevention, fitness, vaccinations, financial planning solutions and nutrition/weight management are just a few of the resources offered.

Meanwhile, health and wellness initiatives are spanning around the globe as Cigna and the TTK Group recently announced a joint venture that will provide health insurance coverage across India, making Cigna the first United States-based insurer to apply for entry into India.

“We are thrilled to have signed a partnership agreement with TTK,” said William Atwell, president of Cigna International. “With more than 80 years of customer experience, TTK brings a strong brand, local market knowledge and proven strategies for distribution. Coupled with Cigna’s broad portfolio of products and expertise in direct marketing, we can help meet the needs of the Indian market in an entirely new way. Together, we will be a powerful combination.”