2020-12-15 OMA Agenda - Board of Trustees

o Body weight scales  Talking weight scales for patients with obesity who cannot see weight scale number values  Self-body composition scales can initially be compared (validated) with “gold standard” body composition analyses (e.g., dual x-ray absorptiometry), and then followed longitudinally  Body weights are best taken the same time per day  Consider having the patient send a picture of their weight from the scale, with some identifier as to date (and perhaps time) o Self-blood pressure monitoring devices preferably:  Have appropriately sized brachial cuff  Store blood pressure values  Transmit data via telemonitoring  Are listed as a “validated device” according to the American Medical Association US blood pressure validated device listing (VDL TM ), found at https://www.validatebp.org/ o Other home health monitoring devices, such as glucose monitors and smartphone apps for vital signs such as heart rate and sleep patterns, can transmit patient data directly to the provider and sometimes directly into the electronic health records o For all devices that can transmit data, it is best the data be transmitted before the telehealth encounter o Patient should complete electronic health record intake forms (check list and pre-visit questionnaires) prior to the telehealth encounter o Utilize virtual reminders to collect vital signs (e.g., weight, blood pressure, heart rate) prior to the telehealth encounter o Electronic health records can set up alerts or flags for patients at higher risk who would benefit from closer medical and/or psychological follow-up to ensure monitoring of nutrition, physical activity, vital signs, blood testing, and mental/emotional status o Smart watch/phone reminder systems, text messaging, online messaging, and interactive voice calls may enhance uniformity in communication, which may help limit misunderstandings and limit disparities in communication that might otherwise occur. o Video conferencing via internet cloud-based platforms are not only best for patient and provider [provided they are secure, and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Table 1)] but may also allow for group healthcare sessions o Portability of video conferencing (i.e., via smartphone) may allow patient to show real time video of where the patient eats, food in their refrigerator and cabinets, and images of food and supplement labels – all providing insights not available in a traditional office setting. o Patients of providers actively engaged in telehealth and associated technologies benefit from office-provided technology support. o Technologies and systems to improve communication and self-monitoring will have more limited effectiveness among individuals who because of socio-economic status,

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