Today, more than half of the U.S. adult population has at least one chronic health condition, and upward of 40% have multiple. These chronic diseases – heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease included – are the nation’s leading causes of death, disability and healthcare costs. In fact, some 90% of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures are spent on treating chronic and mental health conditions.
The complexities and expenses associated with chronic diseases make their prevention and treatment burdensome; plus, the challenges are being compounded. Facing the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population and worsening shortage of primary care physicians, the treatment and prevention pathways of chronic diseases are on track to get even worse.
It’s clear: the way our healthcare system has long treated chronic diseases, with occasional check-ins and at-home management, isn’t enough. Why? The problem of adherence to at-home chronic disease management remains unsolved. But technology offers a remedy.
Here we explore 3 ways primary care and lifestyle medicine providers can utilize digital wellness solutions to help patients stay on track after, and in between, their in-person appointments.
No. 1 : Establish regular connections
The current management model for chronic health conditions is failing patients. Today, patients schedule appointments, undergo testing and receive diagnoses, treatment plans and medicine. Often, patients are then left to their own devices. Providers can do better. Utilizing a digital wellness solution, providers can fill in the gaps between appointments to check in on patients and monitor their progress and adherence to recommended treatment plans. These regular patient-provider connections can establish trust and foster meaningful engagement that drives lifestyle changes, treatment consistency and healthy outcomes.
No. 2 : Provide convenient, flexible care
Patient lives aren’t linear. They have ups and downs, take left turns and don’t always go according to plan. This means to truly be effective, treatment plans should factor in a level of flexibility that allows patients to adjust their care and goals as their lives inevitably shift. Whether a patient is trying to lose weight, quit smoking, reduce stressors or improve their overall health, providers can now offer convenient, flexible care pathways that address individual health issues and goals digitally. With the right tool, providers can launch on-demand courses, content and videos that educate patients with quick information hits and tips on improving their health and reducing chronic disease risks when it’s convenient.
No. 3: Enhance patient experiences
With digitally enabled at-home support, providers can boost patient engagement. How? By delivering personalized care experiences that align with an individual’s lifestyle, health needs, goals and learning styles. Providers can now launch, and scale, patient-specific care pathways with the help of digital tools that automate personalized support, patient reminders and content specific to a patient’s health conditions and interests.
As providers grapple with how best to manage the continued strains on staffing, the growing number of aging patients, the rise in chronic conditions and increased patient needs, they need to consider the available technology solutions bridging the widening gaps in healthcare. By leveraging a digital wellness solution, providers can support patients beyond their in-person appointments to make chronic disease management easier and patient goals achievable.
Discover how Avidon Health’s Engagement Rx® can aid primary care and lifestyle medicine providers in helping patients achieve lasting outcomes in their health, to ultimately prevent and treat chronic disease, get in touch with our team.
The health of our nation is at a critical level. Today, it’s estimated 6 in 10 American adults have a chronic disease, with 40% of adults having two or more such diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With the prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and other chronic illnesses, lifestyle medicine is needed now more than ever.
With the potential to prevent, and reverse, chronic diseases, lifestyle medicine providers can effectively drive change to help individuals add years to their lives. And yet, barriers to positive outcomes exist – predominantly where patient engagement is concerned. How can providers keep patients engaged after their appointments and throughout their journey to better health? Personalized care with the help of the right technology.
Here we look at how digital wellness tools equipped with automation technology can help lifestyle medicine providers see benefits in their practices and patient populations.
Increased motivation for lasting lifestyle changes
Often, individuals are highly motivated to make critical lifestyle changes when they, or a family member, are diagnosed with a chronic illness or present risk indicators of disease. This a-ha moment is the first step in helping individuals improve their health and well-being.
With digital wellness technology, lifestyle medicine providers can capitalize on these moments of realization and early motivation to engage patients with vital educational offerings to better understand health issues. Providers can now easily launch personalized online courses, with on-demand content, videos and articles, to educate and engage patients throughout every stage of their health and wellness journey. Whether it is for weight management, fitness, sleep, smoking cessation or healthy eating, these convenient, microlearning courses keep patients on track to achieve lasting health goals.
Streamlined communication and administrative operations
Lifestyle medicine providers transform lives, but often get bogged down by administrative tasks and are often limited by short appointments. With digital tools at their fingertips, providers can now deliver individualized care at scale, driving positive patient and practice outcomes beyond the clinic.
For providers looking to streamline their communications, send patient reminders, save time on administrative operations and enhance their program offerings, automated digital wellness tools could be their all-in-one solution. With digital tools like Engagement Rx®, clinics can automate the delivery of personalized content – addressing everything from substance use to stress management – while sending encouraging patient messages and program reminders. Providers can effectively, and automatically, educate patients, boost engagement, track progress and encourage patient participation without the employee involvement.
Improved patient engagement, retention and outcomes
As chronic diseases maintain a stronghold on U.S. adults, lifestyle medicine providers need tools that help, not hinder, their practices. With digital wellness tools – like Engagement Rx – providers can hyperfocus on what they do best: treat the whole patient to prevent and reverse chronic health issues. Such tools have a number of positive outcomes, including:
Increased Knowledge: With the ability to launch on-demand educational courses, content and videos, providers can easily provide patients with bite-sized information and tips on improving health and reducing health risks whenever it’s convenient.
Deeper Engagement: Providing discrete, digital communication tools and learning options, providers can ensure patients feel supported and secure as they address their health and wellness needs and work toward their goals in a safe, private manner.
Better Outcomes: By facilitating the delivery of additional program offerings and opportunities for digital engagement, providers can inspire patients to stay motivated, increase program retention and, ultimately, see more positive health outcomes.
Lifestyle medicine providers are ideally positioned to help adults nationwide improve their health while preventing, treating and reversing chronic diseases – and with the right digital tool, there’s no limit to the positive impact providers can have on patient outcomes.
Contact our team for more information on how our all-in-one digital wellness platform and automation technology can help practices engage patients and drive positive outcomes.
The major determinants of good health lie outside of the healthcare system. Health and wellbeing are shaped by a wide array of influences like where we are born, live, work, learn and play. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies five social determinants of health that include: 1.) access to quality healthcare and 2.) education, 3.) social and community support, 4.) economic stability and 5.) the built environment.
At the center of improving outcomes for individuals and communities — are community centers that offer programs to address the health and well-being of local residents. With a plethora of programs and activities, it can be challenging for centers to educate members on all that’s available to them.
Here are three steps that can help community centers attract, engage, and keep community members on track with an effective community wellness program.
Step One: Provide motivating educational programs
Motivating educational programs are the cornerstone of sustained engagement in community wellness initiatives. Here’s how community centers can make their educational offerings more compelling and effective:
Personalization is Key
People are more likely to engage with content that feels tailored to their specific needs and interests. Personalized educational programs can address individual health goals, preferences, and schedules, making the experience more relevant and engaging.
How to Implement Personalization:
Assess Member Needs: Use surveys or assessments to understand the health goals and interests of your community members.
Tailored Content: Create content that caters to various demographics and health concerns. For example, offer different programs for young adults, seniors, and families.
Flexible Learning Paths: Allow members to choose their own learning paths within the program, ensuring they can focus on what matters most to them.
Leveraging Digital Platforms
Digital platforms can significantly enhance the reach and effectiveness of educational programs. They provide a flexible and accessible way for members to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.
Benefits of Digital Platforms:
Accessibility: Members can access content from their homes or on the go, removing barriers related to time and location.
Interactive Content: Incorporate videos, quizzes, and interactive modules to make learning more engaging.
Progress Tracking: Use digital tools to track member progress and provide feedback, which can motivate continued participation.
Integration of Gamification
Gamification can make educational programs more engaging by introducing elements of play and competition. It taps into the natural human desire for achievement and recognition.
Gamification Strategies:
Points and Rewards: Award points for completing courses, participating in activities, and achieving milestones. Offer rewards or recognition for high achievers.
Challenges and Competitions: Organize challenges that encourage members to reach specific health goals. Friendly competition can boost motivation.
Badges and Certificates: Provide digital badges or certificates for completing courses or programs. This not only serves as a motivator but also as a tangible achievement members can be proud of.
Expert-Led Sessions
Access to expert knowledge can greatly enhance the credibility and attractiveness of your educational programs. Consider including sessions led by health professionals, fitness experts, and wellness coaches.
Incorporating Expert Knowledge:
Webinars and Workshops: Host live webinars and workshops where experts can provide insights, answer questions, and interact with members.
Guest Articles and Videos: Invite experts to contribute articles or video content that can be included in your program.
Q&A Sessions: Offer regular Q&A sessions with experts to provide personalized advice and support.
Community and Peer Support
Creating a sense of community within your educational programs can significantly boost engagement. Peer support and group activities can foster a supportive environment where members motivate each other.
Building Community:
Discussion Forums: Create online forums or groups where members can discuss their progress, share tips, and support each other.
Group Activities: Organize group activities or challenges that encourage members to work together towards common goals.
Mentorship Programs: Pair new members with experienced ones who can provide guidance and encouragement.
Example of a Personalized Program
Healthy Living 101: A Personalized Approach to Wellness
Week 1: Introduction to Wellness
Assess personal health goals and create a customized plan.
Educational videos on the basics of nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
Week 2: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Interactive meal planning sessions.
Personalized nutrition advice based on dietary preferences and health goals.
Week 3: Exercise and Physical Activity
Customizable workout plans.
Virtual fitness classes and progress tracking.
Week 4: Mental Health and Stress Management
Techniques for managing stress and improving mental well-being.
Meditation and mindfulness sessions.
By implementing these strategies, community centers can create motivating and engaging educational programs that keep members invested in their health and wellness journeys.
Step Two: Automate program reminders and support
Automation is a powerful tool for maintaining member engagement in community wellness programs. By automating reminders and support, community centers can ensure that members receive consistent encouragement and information, helping them stay on track with their health goals. Here’s how to leverage automation effectively:
Personalize Automated Communications
Personalized messages resonate more with members and show that the community center cares about their individual progress. Tailoring automated communications to each member’s needs and goals can significantly enhance engagement.
Strategies for Personalization:
Member Profiles: Use member profiles to tailor messages based on individual health goals, preferences, and activity levels.
Dynamic Content: Implement dynamic content in emails and messages that changes based on the member’s progress and interactions.
Milestone Celebrations: Automatically recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements to keep members motivated.
Utilize a Multi-Channel Approach
Different members have different preferences for communication. Using multiple channels ensures that your messages reach members where they are most likely to see them.
Effective Channels for Automated Communication:
Email: Send regular updates, reminders, and motivational messages via email.
SMS/Text Messages: Use text messages for timely reminders and quick check-ins.
Mobile Apps: If your community center has a mobile app, use push notifications to deliver reminders and support.
Social Media: Leverage social media groups and direct messages for additional engagement.
Implement Automated Scheduling and Reminders
Automated scheduling and reminders can help members stay consistent with their wellness activities. This includes reminders for classes, appointments, and personal health tasks.
Automated Scheduling Tactics:
Class and Event Reminders: Send automated reminders for upcoming classes, workshops, and events.
Appointment Confirmations: Automatically confirm and remind members of their appointments with health coaches or wellness professionals.
Task Reminders: Remind members to complete specific health tasks, such as drinking water, taking a walk, or logging their meals.
Provide Ongoing Support Through Automation
Automated messages can offer continuous support and encouragement, helping members overcome challenges and stay motivated.
Supportive Automation Features:
Educational Content: Send regular educational content that aligns with members’ goals, such as tips on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Progress Tracking: Provide automated updates on members’ progress, highlighting improvements and areas for further focus.
Motivational Messages: Send motivational quotes, success stories, and words of encouragement to keep members inspired.
Integrate Feedback Loops
Automated systems can also gather feedback from members, helping community centers understand their needs and improve the program.
Gathering Feedback:
Surveys and Polls: Automate the distribution of surveys and polls to gather member feedback on programs and services.
Interactive Messages: Use interactive messages that allow members to provide quick feedback on their experiences.
Data Analysis: Analyze the feedback collected to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Example of an Automated Support System
Engagement Rx: Automated Wellness Support
Daily Health Tips: Personalized health tips delivered via email and SMS based on member goals.
Weekly Progress Reports: Automated reports that track and highlight member progress, sent via email.
Class and Event Reminders: Automated reminders for upcoming classes and events, delivered through email, SMS, and push notifications.
Motivational Messages: Daily or weekly motivational messages to keep members inspired and engaged.
Feedback Surveys: Monthly automated surveys to gather feedback and suggestions from members.
By leveraging automation for program reminders and support, community centers can maintain high levels of engagement and help members stay committed to their wellness journeys. Automation ensures that members receive timely, personalized, and consistent communication, which is key to achieving long-term health and wellness goals.
Step Three: Give them easy digital tools to use
Providing accessible and user-friendly digital tools is essential for engaging community members in wellness programs. These tools can enhance the overall experience by offering convenience, flexibility, and continuous support. Here’s how community centers can effectively implement digital tools to boost engagement:
Select the Right Digital Platforms
Choosing the right digital platforms is crucial for delivering a seamless experience. The platforms should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and cater to the specific needs of your members.
Key Considerations for Choosing Digital Platforms:
User-Friendly Interface: Ensure the platform is easy to use, with clear navigation and minimal learning curve.
Mobile Compatibility: The platform should be fully functional on mobile devices, allowing members to access it anytime, anywhere.
Integration Capabilities: Choose platforms that can integrate with other tools and systems you already use, such as scheduling software and CRM systems.
Offer On-Demand Content and Courses
On-demand content allows members to engage with wellness programs at their own pace and convenience, increasing the likelihood of sustained participation.
Benefits of On-Demand Content:
Flexibility: Members can access content whenever it suits them, making it easier to fit wellness activities into their busy schedules.
Variety: Offer a wide range of content, including videos, articles, podcasts, and interactive courses to cater to different learning preferences.
Microlearning: Break down content into small, manageable segments to prevent overwhelm and promote consistent engagement.
Facilitate Communication and Support
Digital tools should facilitate easy communication between members and community center staff, providing ongoing support and fostering a sense of community.
Effective Communication Strategies:
Chat Functions: Implement chat features that allow members to ask questions and receive real-time support from staff.
Forums and Groups: Create online forums or groups where members can share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
Virtual Meetings: Offer virtual meetings or consultations with wellness coaches and experts to provide personalized guidance.
Track Progress and Provide Feedback
Tracking progress is crucial for keeping members motivated and engaged. Digital tools should offer features that allow members to monitor their achievements and receive feedback.
Progress Tracking Features:
Activity Logs: Enable members to log their activities, such as workouts, meals, and meditation sessions.
Progress Reports: Provide automated progress reports that highlight achievements and suggest areas for improvement.
Goal Setting: Allow members to set personal health goals and track their progress towards meeting them.
Ensure Data Privacy and Security
Members need to feel confident that their personal information is secure. Prioritize data privacy and security in your digital tools to build trust and encourage participation.
Data Security Measures:
Secure Login: Implement secure login procedures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect member accounts.
Data Encryption: Ensure all personal and health data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
Privacy Policies: Clearly communicate your privacy policies and practices to members, explaining how their data will be used and protected.
Example of a Comprehensive Digital Tool
Engagement Rx: A Holistic Digital Wellness Platform
On-Demand Content: Offers a library of videos, articles, and courses covering various health topics.
Interactive Features: Includes chat functions, forums, and virtual meeting capabilities for real-time support.
Progress Tracking: Features activity logs, automated progress reports, and goal-setting tools.
Mobile App: Fully functional mobile app for accessing content and tracking progress on the go.
Data Security: Implements advanced security measures to protect member information and ensure privacy.
By providing easy-to-use digital tools, community centers can make wellness programs more accessible and engaging. These tools empower members to take control of their health journeys, providing the support and flexibility they need to achieve their wellness goals.
For more on how digital wellness offerings and automation can help community centers connect with members to improve their health and well-being, contact our team.
