A new evaluation tool to obtain practice-based evidence of worksite health promotion programs.
BACKGROUND
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the Swift Worksite Assessment and Translation (SWAT) evaluation method to identify promising practices in worksite health promotion programs. The new method complements research studies and evaluation studies of evidence-based practices that promote healthy weight in working adults.


METHODS
We used nationally recognized program evaluation standards of utility, feasibility, accuracy, and propriety as the foundation for our 5-step method: 1) site identification and selection, 2) site visit, 3) post-visit evaluation of promising practices, 4) evaluation capacity building, and 5) translation and dissemination. An independent, outside evaluation team conducted process and summative evaluations of SWAT to determine its efficacy in providing accurate, useful information and its compliance with evaluation standards.


RESULTS
The SWAT evaluation approach is feasible in small and medium-sized workplace settings. The independent evaluation team judged SWAT favorably as an evaluation method, noting among its strengths its systematic and detailed procedures and service orientation. Experts in worksite health promotion evaluation concluded that the data obtained by using this evaluation method were sufficient to allow them to make judgments about promising practices.


CONCLUSIONS
SWAT is a useful, business-friendly approach to systematic, yet rapid, evaluation that comports with program evaluation standards. The method provides a new tool to obtain practice-based evidence of worksite health promotion programs that help prevent obesity and, more broadly, may advance public health goals for chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
Dunet
Diane O
DO
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-26, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. Ddunet@cdc.gov
Sparling
Phillip B
PB
Hersey
James
J
Williams-Piehota
Pamela
P
Hill
Mary D
MD
Hanssen
Carl
C
Lawrenz
Frances
F
Reyes
Michele
M
D019468:Disease Management; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace
J Occup Environ Med. 2003 Jan;45(1):5-14
12553174
Am J Prev Med. 2005 Jul;29(1):41-5
15958250
Obes Res. 2004 Jan;12(1):18-24
14742838
Prev Chronic Dis. 2008 Oct;5(4):A122
18793510
JAMA. 1999 Oct 27;282(16):1523-9
10546691
MMWR Recomm Rep. 1999 Sep 17;48(RR-11):1-40
10499397
Am J Public Health. 2006 Mar;96(3):406-9
16449580
Am J Health Promot. 1998 Jan-Feb;12(3):202-7
10176095
Am J Health Behav. 2003 Jul-Aug;27(4):456-62
12882439