Lifestyle Medicine in Diabetes Care: The Lifedoc Health Model

Ramfis Nieto-Martinez, Claudia Neira, Diana de Oliveira, Andrés Velasquez-Rodriguez, Andres Neira, Pedro Velasquez-Rodriguez, Gabriela Garcia, Juan P. González-Rivas, Jeffrey I. Mechanick, Pedro Velasquez-Mieyer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: The relevance of lifestyle medicine in diabetes treatment is now incorporated in clinical practice guidelines but finding an exemplar for the creation of a Lifestyle Medicine Program (LMP) is a difficult task. Aim: To use Lifedoc Health (LDH) as a LMP exemplar by describing their multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to diabetes care along with tactics to address sustainability challenges. Results: The LDH model facilitates early activation of patients with diabetes and other cardiometabolic risk factors, MDT approaches, and protocols/policies that are able to overcome barriers to equitable healthcare in the community. Specific programmatic targets are clinical outcomes, effective dissemination, economic viability, and sustainability. Infrastructure centers on patient-driven problem-based visits, shared medical appointments, telemedicine, and patient tracking. Further discussions on program conceptualization and operationalization are provided. Conclusion: Even though strategic plans for LMPs that specialize in diabetes care are well represented in the literature, implementation protocols, and performance metrics are lacking. The LDH experience provides a starting point for those healthcare professionals interested in translating ideas into action.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)336-354
Number of pages19
JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2023

Keywords

  • dysglycemia-based chronic disease
  • lifedoc health
  • lifestyle medicine center
  • lifestyle medicine program
  • multidisciplinary team

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