Effects of Program Characteristics on EAP Utilization

Abstract

Various elements of EAPs have been described as crucial to successful program functioning. Using negative binomial regression analysis, this study examined the impact of program features on utilization in a large sample of EAPs. Findings indicated that, among widely recommended features, the existence of a written policy and its broad distribution, adequate staffing levels, and provision of training for supervisors predicted higher levels of program utilization. Other recommended features, including maintenance of client confidentiality, were either unrelated to utilization, or predicted lower utilization.

Key Words:

• EAP
• utilization
• training
• staffing
• confidentiality
• policy