Fitness Coach Connects Program Evaluation

Shepell·fgi, a leader in Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs) in Canada, launched its Fitness Coach Connects program in June 2013. This program engages users through the use of a wireless activity tracker, personalized interactions and coaching sessions with a dedicated Fitness Coach, as well as access to an online program. This internship will support Shepell·fgi’s Clinical Services and Research department in their evaluation of the Fitness Coach Connects program’s user data and feedback. Data analysis and program evaluation will contribute to the further development of best practices for this field of service, and will serve to provide the basis for future program enhancements. The goals of the internship are to develop a comprehensive literature review on the current knowledge regarding the effectiveness of EFAP programs which include customized fitness and technology-assisted components, and on the key challenges associated with the evaluation of these programs; to evaluate utilization data and user feedback regarding the key components of the Fitness Coach Connects program developed by Shepell·fgi; and to evaluate the impact of technology-assisted EFAP Fitness Coach Connects program; This project will contribute to future improvement of the Fitness Coach Connects program, strengthening the company’s position as a leader in the field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Serban Dinca-Panaitescu

Student:

Tracy Lynne Mack

Partner:

Shepell-fgi

Discipline:

Epidemiology / Public health and policy

Sector:

Service industry

University:

York University