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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.
