Criteria for Approved Programs

Program Selection Task Force

The Health Project seeks programs that improve health by reducing health risks, reduce medical care costs, and can definitively document effectiveness at these goals. Programs may have been developed or based at worksite, community, health provider groups, insurance, government, innovators, or other organizations.

The following criteria outline the current basis by which the C. Everett Koop National Health Award Committee compare programs. We expect exemplary programs to exhibit most, but not necessarily all, criteria.

A. Program Goals

1. Program must share The Health Project goals of reducing need and demand for medical services.
2. Program is directed at Healthy People 2000 and/or Healthy People 2010 health promotion targets.
3. Cost reduction must be included as a major program element.

B. Program Features:

1. Program must possess reasonable approaches for cost reduction (program is proven or analogous to cited proven programs).
2. Program must include reasonable approaches for behavioral change (program is proven or analogous to cited proven programs).
3. Program must be in operation at least two years.

C. Program Evaluation:

1. Evaluation studies that measure program results are crucial; programs must provide evidence for health improvement or risk reduction and for cost-savings. Community programs, (but not others) may justify cost savings on the basis of future projected illness reduction based upon documented changes in health behaviors.
   
   In order of study rigor we seek:
      a) randomized controlled studies
      b) longitudinal studies with adequate controls
      c) before and after comparisons
   
   Cost-savings may include direct and/or indirect (e.g. work-time lost, workers' comp) medical costs.
   
   
2. Programs should participate in ongoing research activities to determine effectiveness at behavior change and at cost reduction over the medium and long-term. Evidence of impact in the community is additionally sought.
   
   
3. Programs must make data submitted available for external review and if successful, for broad dissemination.

  James F. Fries,M.D.
  Chair, Program Selection Task Force
  Stanford University School of Medicine
  Department of Medicine
  1000 Welch Road, Suite 203
  Palo Alto, CA 94304-5755
  650-723-6003, Fax: 650-723-9656