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Digital Health for Obesity Care

CE / CME

Leveraging Digital Health to Improve Obesity Care

Physician Assistants/Physician Associates: 0.50 AAPA Category 1 CME credit

Nurses: 0.50 Nursing contact hour

Physicians: maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Pharmacists: 0.50 contact hour (0.05 CEUs)

Released: November 29, 2023

Expiration: November 28, 2024

Sejal Desai
Sejal Desai, MD
CME/CE Information

Activity

Progress
1
Course Completed

Background

In 2023, Clinical Care Options launched a national obesity QI program called “Obesity Change Makers,” and one of the participating practices aimed to improve obesity care by leveraging digital health interventions and incorporating group visits. Collectively, these interventions enabled more patients to remain engaged in their obesity care and sustain weight loss through lifestyle modifications.

Tula Medical Weight Loss and Wellness

At Tula Medical Weight Loss and Wellness, obesity care programs are tailored for patients to address their medical conditions and achieve long-term weight loss. Patients are offered various interventions, such as lifestyle coaching, meal replacement options, education materials, and a digital app that enables them to stay motivated and engaged in their obesity care. Some patients may choose to try meal replacements, whereas others may try a plant-based nutrition plan. Key components of the obesity care plan—such as weight tracking, reminders, and patient education—are delivered via a mobile app. The mobile app also offers remote patient monitoring capabilities by connecting to a digital scale, and patients are encouraged to use telehealth for follow-up visits and to receive coaching and guidance on sustainable behavior modifications.

Leveraging Digital Health

Many patients receive care via virtual e-visits, which occur over secure digital systems. The American Academy of Family Physicians defines a virtual e-visit as “an evaluation and management service provided by a physician or other qualified health professional to a patient using a web-based or similar electronic-based communication network for a single patient encounter.” Although e-visits are highly effective, the practice recognized the need to incorporate scalable ways to engage patients efficiently. The practice expanded its digital health offerings and gave patients the option to participate in virtual group chats. These chats enabled patients to ask questions, hear from other patients, celebrate successes, and maintain a greater level of engagement through peer support. 

The practice also began offering weekly virtual group visits to promote a safe environment where patients could discuss their concerns and feel supported by their peers. Group visits can enable healthcare professionals to use their time efficiently and provide extensive patient education in a group setting. Studies have shown that group visits can increase access to providers, increase social support, and improve how patients manage chronic conditions. Patients who participate in these group visits are free to discuss how they are incorporating lifestyle modifications and creating new habits around healthy eating. They are being encouraged, sharing practical insights, and learning how to stay motivated.  

Importance of Shared Decision-making

Obesity care plans are tailored for each patient through shared decision-making (SDM). SDM is a process where healthcare professionals and patients work together to formulate a treatment plan that reflects the goals, values, and preferences voiced by the patient. SDM involves discussing the potential benefits, harms, and risks of various treatment options, such as bariatric surgery or antiobesity medications. Research has demonstrated that patients who engage in SDM achieve better outcomes and experience greater satisfaction in their medical care. Some practical examples of how SDM has enabled more patient-centered care include:

  • Patients are more likely to commit to specific lifestyle modifications after they consider various options, the potential clinical benefits associated with new habits and behaviors, and their willingness to make changes.
  • Patients gain a better understanding of how different antiobesity medications may be incorporated into their care plan. They learn about the potential benefits, risks such as adverse events, and the costs associated with medication therapy.  
  • Patients gain a better understanding of how to evaluate whether bariatric surgery may be right for them.

Clinical Impact

The practice continues to see how digital health tools are enabling patients to remain more engaged and empowered in their obesity care. Patients who receive peer support feel more connected and accountable as they discuss their challenges and receive encouragement. Because many patients prefer to connect and communicate using digital technology, they are grateful for the opportunity to meet others and to be part of a community of patients who are committed to their weight loss journey. 

Barriers and Obstacles

Access to antiobesity medications remains an ongoing challenge for many patients. The practice continues to look for ways to streamline the prior authorization process, but sometimes insurance companies deny coverage. Appeals are not always successful, but every effort is made to help eligible patients obtain access to medications. 

Future Direction

Although many patients remain highly engaged via digital health, some patients still need to be nudged and reminded to actively participate. Future interventions may include finding other creative ways to increase engagement and motivation. Patients may want to hear from guest speakers or participate in group fitness activities. The practice is eager to explore other ways to maximize patient engagement and improve sustainable clinical outcomes.  

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