Are you keeping it simple?
Technology is a powerful and required tool in the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching toolbox. The key to realizing the benefits is having both the patient/client and health professional use it! Too often we over complicate things instead of simplifying and building off success. For example, when introducing wearable technology, start at the lowest level possible…wearing it. That’s it…the data will be synced to an app or webpage. You have plenty of time to build on the successes and ask more info…I have actually had patients and clients contact me asking what other info they can provide.
Do you set appropriate expectations?
When working with patients/clients we have a responsibility to be effective guides by providing individualized, actionable feedback. Unfortunately, feedback can become overwhelming for the patient/client. To be successful with interfacing patient/client technology and health and fitness status, set clear parameters for what they should expect. For example, let them know that you will be taking a look at their information periodically and providing appropriate feedback at an interval you agree on. For me, contact is usually more during the first couple weeks of the relationship and then goes to every 7 to 14 days.
Do you have the right platform?
When I started monitoring patients remotely it was a nightmare. I would log into their individual accounts, dig into the details, type some notes down, go to my email, compose and write an email. VERY INEFFICIENT. Find a platform that brings everything together for you so you can EASILY see what action needs to be taken, see specific parameters at a glance, and communicate safely. This is the point at which we put our professional expertise into action!
Reprinted with permission from Dr. Steve Feyrer-Melk.
Steve Feyrer-Melk, MEd, PhD, is a powerful, passionate, and trusted authority in Lifestyle Medicine who is bringing an innovative, refreshing, and successful approach to proactive health care. Dr. Steve co-founded the Optimal Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center where he crafts and hones real-world programs for immediate impact. Dr. Steve also serves as the Chief Science Officer of Nudge, LLC, a lifestyle medical technology company.
