Childhood Obesity Preventer

This webinar shared evidence-based models that provide a framework for health centers to optimize the team in primary care. Experts described how utilization of extended team members and technology can reduce gaps in care for prediabetics and diabetics. With a focus on lifestyle and community based projects, this webinar highlighted the strategies and resources to improve the health and behaviors of patients at risk for diabetes and manage uncontrolled diabetes. Through early detection and providing diabetes management through a team-based care, health centers can help patients’ live long, healthy lives.

This HIMSS article published in 2014 discusses opportunities for use of Mobile Health tools for helping people better manage chronic illnesses. The authors identify that "mHealth offers patients a greater sense of connectedness to care providers, improved sense of well-being and increased satisfaction with the care experience."

Patient generated data (PGD) via mobile health devices provides opportunities for better understanding of lifestyle behaviors of patients and social determinants of health. Authors of this article identified potential opportunities in use of PGD included agenda setting, self-care, and identification of potential social and lifestyle barriers.

The Texting for Better Care Toolkit provided by the Center for Care Innovations includes resources and guides for healthcare providers interested in implementing texting campaigns at their facilities. Tools include example consent forms and workflows, procedural diagrams for texting message flow, texting vendors and overall program strategies for use within safety net populations.