First introduced in 1960 on a voluntary basis, the Ministry of Transport test – more commonly known as an MOT – is now an obligatory annual undertaking for all vehicle owners.
Checks carried out as part of the test provide an overall view of the ‘health’ of a vehicle, flagging any areas of immediate concern while also indicating where potential problems might arise in the future.
While MOT tests might be a source of stress for some drivers, they are based on the accepted premise that regular assessments allow insights to be gleaned and actions to be taken in the interest of promoting long-term wellbeing.
But sound as this logic might be, it’s not something that we necessarily apply to more important areas of life – such as our health. Here, we typically take a reactive approach, with the majority of us waiting for problems to reveal themselves rather than proactively looking to shine a light on otherwise hidden issues.
Pivot to prevention
Momentum is building behind a shift in this paradigm, however. Health experts see a pivot towards a preventive model as essential for managing care costs and enhancing the wellbeing of an increasingly ageing population.
With pre-emptive checks and screening measures – referred to as a health MOT – conditions can potentially be caught at their earlier stages or even before their onset. This also allows for timely interventions to be made that can reduce risk factors and allow treatment to be initiated sooner, enhancing its effectiveness.
But although more preventive care is being made available through the NHS, limitations on resources mean that it is unable to match the breadth, depth and accessibility of the services available from private medical providers.
For employees keen to build greater knowledge and take greater control of their own wellbeing, health MOTs are, therefore, taking on greater appeal. Indeed, one survey places health MOTs among the leading health and wellbeing benefits available to workers.
When asked about the attraction of these assessments, 61% said they believed it would provide peace of mind while a similar proportion (60%) said they were motivated by the possibility of early identification of identify health risks.
Different test types
It is important to note that it there is not a ‘one size fits all’ model when it comes to health MOTs. They can be comprised of a variety of different assessments that are designed to track a range of different health markers.
Some are based on finger-prick blood samples, which are taken at home by employees. Analysis of these samples can then reveal information on cholesterol levels, organ function and risks associated with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Alternatively, employers might accommodate health MOTs on site, hosted by healthcare professionals. As well as blood tests, assessments could include measurement of blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Heart health could also be checked using an electrocardiogram (ECG), which monitors electrical activity, including rate and rhythm.
A more comprehensive form of health MOT would take place within a clinic setting, providing access to more complex medical equipment. In addition, some healthcare providers offer packages that augment these tests with personalised wellbeing programmes designed to support employees in meeting their health goals over the longer term. And, furthermore, while the focus of MOTs is typically on physical health, some services also incorporate an assessment of mental health, giving individuals a fully rounded view of their own wellbeing.
Healthy levels of awareness
But whatever shape a health MOT takes, and however extensive the assessments involved, they have obvious potential in helping to maintain the individual and collective health of employees.
At the very least, they can trigger raised levels of awareness, knowledge and engagement, helping encourage staff to make better choices, but in some cases proactive screening can highlight direct concerns and risks, pinpointing areas where referral for further investigation or treatment is required.
For employers, the benefits of providing health MOTs are multiple. As well as the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the wellbeing of staff, there is also the knowledge that you are encouraging productivity by promoting long-term health and limiting the number of days lost to illness.
At the same time, offering such a desirable benefit has the potential to increase happiness, loyalty and employer appeal – all markers of a healthy working environment.
The information contained within this communication does not constitute financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. No warranty, whether express or implied is given in relation to such information. Vintage Health or any of its associated representatives shall not be liable for any technical, editorial, typographical or other errors or omissions within the content of this communication.
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