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REPORT RAPPORT |
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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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22 September 2014 |
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TO/DEST:
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Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM/EXP:
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Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT/OBJET: |
REAL YOU WELLNESS CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR 2014-2015
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RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Ottawa Police Services Board approve:
1. The sole source award of a contract to Real You Inc for an amount of $300,000 exclusive of taxes, to carry out Phase Four of the Real You program.
2. Funding in the amount of $153,000 from the 2014 operating budget and a pre-commitment of 2015 operating budget funds in the amount of $147,000.
BACKGROUND
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has been recognized as a leader in promoting healthy living through various programs. As a responsible and innovative employer, the OPS understands the importance of individualized wellness programming and the benefits it can provide to both the employee and the organization. The Real You is an example of a program that promotes health and wellness of employees with the goal of cascading these benefits throughout the organization and the community.
The OPS commitment to innovative health programs is longstanding. In 2007, the OPS began the search for a comprehensive wellness program for employees. The Real You was selected and a 10-week program was initiated that year for 25 employees. The anecdotal feedback received was positive.
In November 2010, the Ottawa Police Service Board (Board) approved a Memorandum of Understanding with The Real You Inc. for the delivery of The Real You Ottawa Police Service Wellness Pilot Program. This holistic health and wellness initiative, customized to members’ unique needs, was launched in March 2011 with 100 OPS participants. During the 13 month program, participants worked with the program’s health team (including a medical doctor, naturopathic doctors, a registered psychologist and registered physiotherapists) to identify potential health issues and developed appropriate medical treatments and intervention strategies unique to each participant.
As a result of thorough and holistic assessments, members have received new diagnoses including: cancer, sleep and psychiatric disorders, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. These early diagnoses are now being addressed and the members are receiving the care and treatments required. The majority (90%) of these members have family physicians who had not diagnosed these conditions with their patients. Members have also reported an improvement in mood, energy and family relations.
Also, as noted in the May 2012 Board report, The Real You program has seen some significant short term results that benefited individual participants and their families. Medical conditions and ailments have been diagnosed, including valvular heart condition, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety, problem drinking, colonic polyps, fatty liver and sleep disorders. A total of 38% of participants had been diagnosed with sleep disorders, which are associated with depression and burnout. As well 35% of participants were diagnosed with fatty liver which is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis presently exceeding alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
The initial evaluation demonstrated marked improvements for participants in several areas:
· 75% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the program had a positive impact on their personal life, and more than half agreed or strongly agreed that the improvement translated to their professional life.
· The vast majority of participants found the assessment activities helpful or very helpful (medical 87.2%, psychological 69.3%, nutritional 84.6% and fitness 85.8%).
· Very favourable results were reported in participants’ ability to recognize potential issues, make positive changes and enhance overall wellbeing.
· Significant improvements were reported in participant perception of the general state of their physical and emotional health at the mid-point of pilot as compared to the start.
Questionnaire feedback cited that participating in the program resulted in positive lifestyle changes such as dietary choices, ensuring physical activity or exercise is part of their everyday life, and making time for mindfulness, relaxation and/or spirituality. One survey also indicated that sixty-eight percent (68%) of participants reported that the program contributes to an improved police service for Ottawa residents.
The purpose of this request is to request permission to proceed with phase 4 of the program, composed of 100 participants starting in October 2014.
Evaluation Component
In March 2013, the Board approved the negotiation of a contract with The Real You Inc., for Phase Three of the Real You Ottawa Police Service Wellness Program. At that time, it was agreed that a program evaluation for the program would be conducted.
The original evaluation plan was formulated around internal expertise and resources to be provided through the OPS Planning, Performance and Analysis section (PPA). That approach had to be abandoned with the departure of the Evaluation Co-coordinator early this year.
An alternative plan has been implemented. An external resource has been contracted through a request for proposal. The outcome of the new approach is that the evaluation report will be available for review six months later than originally planned. This timing precludes any significant adjustments being made to Phase Four of the Real You program.
Contract with the Real You
The content for Phase Four is structured around 100 participants at a cost of $300,000. Since 2010, program costs have remained constant. Although improvements have been made to the program structure and additional health expertise has been added to the team, the service provider has maintained their base fee structure with no incremental increases.
The contract is a sole source arrangement, as permitted in the Board’s Financial Accountability Procedures (FAP) manual. The provider is an expert in this area of health care, is very knowledgeable about OPS members and the police environment and has consistently delivered a high calibre product.
CONSULTATION
Not applicable.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The contract costs have been allocated over the 2014-15 period in accordance with the nine month duration of the program. A funding base of $153,000 is available in the 2014 operating budget to cover the costs appointed to 2014. Upon approval of the 2015 operating budget, the $153,000 funding base is available to cover the contract costs of $147,000 appointed to 2015. The Board is permitted to approve a pre-budget commitment under Section 3.1.2.3 of the FAP Manual.
The Real You Inc. has been solely committed to the OPS since the inception of this program. The continued interest from our members year after year, has demonstrated the positive impact that this program has created for OPS. The uniqueness of this program has created interest by other police services across Canada.
The preliminary survey results from the Real You program indicate that it has facilitated a range of health improvements for OPS participants, and that the Board’s investment in the health and quality of life of OPS participants has been well received. The formal evaluation, which began in September 2014, will quantify the impact of the program and help to determine a recommended approach for 2016 and beyond.
The approval of Phase Four will ensure that OPS employees have access to this innovative wellness program and that the Board and the OPS continue to demonstrate leadership in this critical area.
(Original signed by)
Charles Bordeleau
Chief of Police
