When Fern Health has conversations about our digital chronic pain program, human resources leaders understand that digital programs are less expensive and more accessible than in-person care. Digital programs are particularly beneficial for remote employees, those without easy access to in-person care, or for anyone with an inflexible or busy work schedule.
But we’re often asked two important questions about digital programs: How do we ensure employees are appropriate for the program? And once an employee is in the Fern program, how do we know that they’re able to safely perform the exercises that are part of our program?
Member safety is central to everything we do at Fern Health. There are several ways we keep our members safe, from pre-screening, to real-time exercise feedback, to ongoing health coach support.
We start with a safety screen. In general, exercise therapy is considered to be a safe intervention with few, if any, side effects. However, home exercise therapy programs aren’t right for everyone. Before a member joins the Fern Health program, they complete our clinical assessment: a series of questions to determine whether the program is appropriate for them. As we onboard each member, this assessment enables us to appropriately redirect patients who are not eligible to participate, for example those with pain related to spinal nerve damage, fracture or those who are pregnant. Our rigorous psychological screen also factors in comorbidities such as anxiety and depression into our care plan.
When appropriate, health coaches refer employees to other resources at their company, such an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). At Fern Health, we work closely with our clients before launch to understand other resources employees have access to that our health coaches can recommend when appropriate. For example, a Fern member who shows a high score for depression or anxiety beyond symptoms associated with chronic pain may be referred to the company’s EAP for further support.
Exercise intensity is personalized for each member. Another way we keep members safe is through our adaptable programs. To reduce the risk of muscle soreness or pain, we use a combination of the pain monitoring model and perceived exertion after each workout to adjust the exercise intensity of future workouts and to match the physical capabilities of each member.
How to promote your digital MSK chronic pain program
Another common question employers ask? “How do I get my employees to use it?”
Impactful employee benefits communication is critical to the success of any wellness program launch. Because employees may not be familiar with digital care for musculoskeletal pain, your communications may require more explanation that other programs, like general wellness or smoking cessation. But for employees living with chronic pain, your new program will be a welcome solution for an often debilitating challenge. Follow these tips for a successful digital chronic pain program launch.
Tip: Use layperson-friendly language to describe your new program.
As an HR leader, you may refer to musculoskeletal pain in regard to your high healthcare costs. But the average person with an aching back or knee issues wouldn’t refer to their pain in those terms. In your communications, be clear about which areas of the body your program addresses, and avoid terminology that sounds overly clinical.
Tip: Anticipate frequently asked questions in your outreach materials.
Think about questions your employees may have about the program, and answer them before they have a chance to ask. For example, note whether dependents can participate in the program, and make it clear that the program is free for employees. You can also prepare managers and your HR team to answer questions around safety and privacy that employees may have.
Tip: Use digital channels to promote your program when you can.
Digital wellness programs are a natural fit for communication channels like email and internal social media. It’s easy to sign up directly from an email, especially if an employee opens the email on their phone. If you’re able to use digital channels to promote your program, plan on promoting it a few times over a period of time to give employees multiple opportunities to read the message and sign up. Instant messaging tools like Slack are also useful places to promote digital programs.
Of course, digital channels aren’t right for all workforces. Some employees don’t have work email addresses, or don’t have the kind of job that allows them to check their email during the day. We put together a separate guide to promoting digital musculoskeletal programs with non-digital workforces if you’re looking for more guidance.
Digital programs for musculoskeletal pain are safe for the majority of people with joint and back pain, convenient, and an effective way to support both remote and in-person employees. Ready to learn more? Get in touch with Fern Health about our digital chronic pain programs that address the source of chronic pain, not just the symptoms.
