Design and baseline data of a randomized trial comparing two methods for scaling-up an occupational sun protection intervention

Abstract

Background Successful methods for scaling-up evidence-based programs are needed to prevent skin cancer among adults who work outdoors in the sun. Methods A randomized trial is being conducted comparing two methods of scaling-up the Sun Safe Workplaces (SSW) intervention. Departments of transportation (DOTs) from 21 U.S. states are participating and their 138 regional districts were randomized following baseline assessment. In districts assigned to the in-person method ( n = 46), project staff meets personally with managers, conducts trainings for employees, and provides printed materials. In districts assigned to the digital method ( n = 92), project staff conduct these same activities virtually, using conferencing technology, online training, and electronic materials. Delivery of SSW in both groups was tailored to managers' readiness to adopt occupational sun safety. Posttesting will assess manager's support for and use of SSW and employees' sun safety. An economic evaluation will explore whether the method that uses digital technology results in lower implementation of SSW but is more cost-effective relative to the in-person method. Results The state DOTs range in size from 997 to 18,415 employees. At baseline, 1113 managers (49.0%) completed the pretest (91.5% male, 91.1% white, 19.77 years on the job, 66.5% worked outdoors; and 24.4% had high-risk skin types). They were generally supportive of occupational sun safety. A minority reported that the employer had a written policy, half reported training, and two-thirds, messaging on sun protection. Conclusions Digital methods are available that may make scale-up of SSW cost-effective in a national distribution to nearly half of the state DOTs. Trial registration: The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number is NCT03278340 .

Association of occupational sun safety policy and actions in state transportation sector in the United States

“…A randomized trial was initiated to examine scale‐up methods for the Sun Safe Workplaces intervention 22 . The intervention promoted the adoption of sun safety policy and education for outdoor workers.…”

“…Originally, it was delivered through in‐person meetings with senior managers, on‐site training sessions for employees, follow‐up communication with managers by email and telephone, and online sun safety resources for managers and employees 18 . In this randomized trial, the original in‐person method for delivering Sun Safe Workplaces is being compared to a digital method where meetings are conducted virtually and employee training is provided online 22 . Working with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, all 50 state DOTs were approached to participate in the trial.…”