The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), the Heath Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) and the Care Continuum Alliance (CCA) came together and published:
in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM), the official publication of ACOEM.
Many employers use biometric screenings as part of their employee wellness program. Recently, there has been some concern expressed about biometric screenings, their use, validity and need. This article is a very good overview. It
… focuses on biometric screenings and was intended to provide employers and other stakeholders with information and guidance to help implement a successful screening program as part of an overall employee health management approach.
The article is divided into four sections:
- Goals and Overarching Considerations
- Methods and Oversight
- Operations and Delivery, and
- Engagement and Evaluation
Each area provides a lot if information and this consensus statement is something that every employer currently doing biometric screenings or those considering it should read.
I believe that biometric screenings can provide validated data, and often times presents employees with information concerning risks that they were unaware of. These data are an excellent resource for measuring results of a program and are often times better indicators than self reported data. As with other components, like HRA’s, coaching, web portals, education, incentives, action programs, etc, it must be part of a well thought out and integrated program, that builds upon a culture of health.