Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The 24/7 Connection



The 24/7 Connection 


Advances in cell phones and text messaging have shaped the way we communicate and interact. Long gone are the days of week long awaited responses of handwritten mail, using those bulky bag phones that couldn’t leave the car, and cell phones that’s only function was to make a telephone call. Traditional landlines are phasing out as our smart phones simply eliminate the need.
Thanks to our smart phones we now have a technology that meshes perfect with public demands, people like to talk and cells phones allow us to do it anywhere. Although to little surprise the majority of time spent on our cell phones isn’t in direct conversation. Most of the usage on our phones comes from downloaded apps. The apps we choose to purchase or download cater to specific needs, interests, and personal enjoyment.

Smart Phone Evaluation
Chances are if you’re reading this you blog some of you may be doing so through your smart phone. Others that may be on a traditional computer, but likely have their phones nearby within arm’s reach. I would like you to do a little inventory challenge. Take a look at your phone and go through your apps. What do you see? Do you have games and social media apps for leisure and enjoyment? Are your apps related to work and efficiency with email accounts, and shortcuts for your business, company, or workplace? And last but not least, how many health and fitness related apps do you have? Chances are you have at least a few you’ve used once or twice. Maybe you even have some for daily use that include counting calories, tracking exercise goals, and measure you goals and improvements. This just simply reinforces what we already know- apps on our phones are readily available, often used, and accessible at any time you have a connection. It was interesting to find that according to ­­­­­­­­­­ learn that “App use constitutes 80% of consumer smartphone usage, and mobile health apps with dieting, weight loss, and fitness apps claim the top spot among the most frequently downloaded health apps.”

Remote Nutrition Counseling
Technology developers are continually working to create new mobile applications for our tablets, phones, and devices that are designed to accommodate the growing need for convenience, and provide a solution to barriers.
When I think of attending a counseling session the type of setting that first comes to mind is a one-on-one, face-to-face private appointment, occurring in a clinical environment or traditional business office. Many may imagine this being the only environment conducive for nutrition counseling.  However, technology has and is changing the way Dietitians can provide services, and how consumers and patients can receive care and counseling despite living minutes or hours away from the nearest Dietitian or clinic.

Telehealth/Telemedicine and Telenutrition
Using mobile apps is one way or to provide delivery of remote care that is called telehealth or telemedicine. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics defines telehealth as “ the use of telecommunications technologies to support clinical patient care and provide health-related education using interactive, specialized equipment.” Furthermore, the Academy goes on to provide a more specific definition of “telenutrition” and its relationship to RD/RDNs and implementation of the Nutrition Care Process including diagnosis, nutrition intervention/plans of care, and monitoring and evaluations.
Remote nutrition counseling has many benefits and can allow the patient to feel more in control and responsible for managing their health and care. With this new and emerging alternative to providing traditional health care services also comes associated challenges and barriers. There will be issues and concerns to address and work out regarding insurance, reimbursement for services, and privacy concerns.
I view telehealth and telenutrition as a great opportunity for Dietitians to expand their reach and for access of care to be increased. This is something I want to encourage everyone to keep up to date on as health care continues to emerge and shift to meet the needs and demands of customers. Whether you are a client, counselor/care provider, work in insurance, technology, work in other associated fields, live in a rural area, or live attached you cell phone, telehealth and telenutrition can impact you too!









Remote Nutrition Counseling: Considerations in a New Channel for Client Communication. Stein, Karen. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Volume 115, Issue 10, 1575-1576.