Success and failures of telehealth during COVID‐19 should inform digital applications to combat obesity

Vasselli, Joseph R.; Juray, Susan; Trasino, Steven E.

doi:10.1002/osp4.551

Cited by 12 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Failure to do so risks alienating the populations that stand to benefit most from telehealth for obesity treatment. Without support to access telemedicine and other telehealth services, there is a danger that healthcare disparities will worsen as digital health is expanded [ 36 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Potential Role of Digital Health in Obesity Care

Hinchliffe¹,

Capehorn

Bewick

et al. 2022

Adv Ther

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Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial, chronic condition which increases the risk of a wide range of diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The prevalence of obesity continues to rise and this places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Existing approaches to obesity treatment tend to focus on individual responsibility and diet and exercise, failing to recognise the complexity of the condition and the need for a whole-system approach. A new approach is needed that recognises the complexity of obesity and provides patient-centred, multidisciplinary care which more closely meets the needs of each individual with obesity. This review will discuss the role that digital health could play in this new approach and the challenges of ensuring equitable access to digital health for obesity care. Existing technologies, such as telehealth and mobile health apps and wearable devices, offer emerging opportunities to improve access to obesity care and enhance the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of weight management interventions and long-term patient support. Future application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to obesity care could see interventions become increasingly automated and personalised.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…mHealth mHealth (mobile health) is the term used to describe the use of mobile apps, chatbots, social media and wearable devices for healthcare. It is a rapidly evolving area of digital health which is transforming the delivery of behavioural interventions for weight management and the monitoring of diet and physical activity [36].…”

Section: Machine Learningmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Potential Role of Digital Health in Obesity Care

Hinchliffe¹,

Capehorn

Bewick

et al. 2022

Adv Ther

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“…Three studies did not speci cally describe the use of smartphone use or accessibility despite the potential this has in this population. Utilising or adapting eHealth for smartphone compatibility should be supported because it is a strong candidate to improve the e cacy of interventions while minimising health inequalities among low SES groups [55].…”

Section: Ehealth Interventions and Mediamentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of eHealth Weight Management Interventions in Overweight and Obese Adults from Low Socioeconomic Groups: A Systematic Review

Myers-Ingram

Sampford

Milton-Cole

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased rates of overweight and obesity. Proponents of electronic health (eHealth) hypothesise that its inclusion in weight management interventions can improve efficacy by mitigating typical barriers associated with low SES. Objectives To establish the scope of eHealth weight management interventions for people with overweight and obesity from a low SES. Secondary objectives were to determine the efficacy of eHealth interventions in facilitating weight loss, physical activity, and fitness improvements. Methods Four databases and grey literature were systematically searched to identify eligible studies published in English from inception to May 2021. Studies examining an eHealth intervention with low SES participants were included. Outcomes included temporal change in weight and BMI, anthropometry, and physical activity levels. The number and heterogeneity of studies precluded any meta-analyses, thus a narrative review was undertaken. Results Four experimental studies with low risk of bias were reviewed. There was variance in how SES was defined. Study aims and eHealth media also varied and included reducing/maintaining weight or increasing physical activity using interactive websites or voice responses, periodic communication and discourse via telephone, social media, text messaging, or eNewsletters. Irrespectively, all studies reported short-term weight loss. eHealth interventions also increased short-term physical activity levels where it was assessed, but did not change anthropometry. None reported any effect on physical fitness. Conclusions This review revealed short-term effects of eHealth interventions on weight loss for low SES participants. Inter-study comparison is challenging because of considerable variability. Future work should prioritise how to utilise eHealth in the longer-term either as a supportive public health measure or by determining its long-term efficacy in engendering volitional health behaviour changes. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021243973 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021243973)

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“…Most patients found telehealth to be a convenient way of connecting with clinicians, especially as it addressed barriers such as transportation and time constraints. Literature suggests telehealth as an effective mode of health management for patients, especially in providing aftercare, though limitations to its use need to be addressed [27,28]. These include access to adequate internet and related equipment, such as microphone and/or webcam, and telecommunication devices, and digital literacy [28].…”

Section: Service-related Factors Influencing Transitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Literature suggests telehealth as an effective mode of health management for patients, especially in providing aftercare, though limitations to its use need to be addressed [27,28]. These include access to adequate internet and related equipment, such as microphone and/or webcam, and telecommunication devices, and digital literacy [28]. There is potential for the application of telehealth in transitioning patients out of tertiary services to community care, by allowing for longer follow-up periods while maintaining clinic efficiency, which is especially useful for more complex patients [27].…”

Section: Service-related Factors Influencing Transitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Support needs of people living with obesity during transition from tertiary obesity treatment to community care

Alsultany

El-Masri

MacMillan

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background: As the number of people living with obesity increases, the maintenance of treatment outcomes is especially pertinent. Treatment at tertiary obesity services have proven to be successful, but patients need to be transitioned out of these services to community-based care to accommodate the influx of new patients. Little is known about the support needs of patients after transition from acute tertiary obesity services. It is important to establish the supports needed by these patients, especially in the context of maintaining treatment outcomes and ensuring continuity of care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to identify the support needs of people with obesity as they transition to community care. Patients and clinicians recruited from a tertiary obesity clinic participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups to explore factors influencing transition and supports needed in the community. Data was collected through audio recordings, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: A total of 16 patients and 7 clinicians involved in the care of these patients participated between July 2020 and July 2021. Themes identified included the influence of clinic and individual factors on transition, the benefits of phased transition, patient-centred communication, and the role of social support. It was found that dependency and lack of self-efficacy, as well as low social support, hindered transition efforts. It was also identified that patients required substantial integrated professional and social support structures in the community to adequately address their care needs both during and following transition. Conclusion: Interventions are needed to provide social community services following transition to ensure adequate community care that can support the maintenance of treatment outcomes. Such services should be integrated and address the social needs of people living with obesity.

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Success and failures of telehealth during COVID‐19 should inform digital applications to combat obesity

Cited by 12 publications

References 47 publications

The Potential Role of Digital Health in Obesity Care

The Potential Role of Digital Health in Obesity Care

Effectiveness of eHealth Weight Management Interventions in Overweight and Obese Adults from Low Socioeconomic Groups: A Systematic Review

Support needs of people living with obesity during transition from tertiary obesity treatment to community care

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