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Enhancing Patient Engagement Through Healthcare Technology: A Needs Assessment on Childhood Obesity
Introduction
Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue that demands patient-centered approaches for successful management. Central to this is patient engagement, which involves active participation in healthcare decisions, improving patients health, economic, and cultural needs. An evidence-based needs assessment provides crucial insights into implementing healthcare technology that enhances patient engagement and achieves better health outcomes (Gallagher et al., 2020).
The Importance of Patient Engagement in Health, Economic, and Cultural Contexts
The role of patient engagement extends beyond clinical health. Active involvement of patients is vital to managing their overall well-being, considering their unique health, economic, and cultural contexts.
Patients, especially those battling chronic conditions like childhood obesity, need to make daily decisions that impact their health. Engaged patients, informed about their condition and treatment options, are likely to make more health-conscious decisions and adhere to their treatment plan. This adherence is crucial for managing chronic conditions effectively (Chai et al., 2019).
From an economic standpoint, engaged patients are more likely to use preventive care services and less likely to use emergency services, reducing overall healthcare costs. They are also more likely to be productive at work or school, enhancing their economic well-being.
Furthermore, patient engagement is key to delivering culturally competent care. By involving patients in their care, providers can better understand and respect their cultural beliefs, values, and preferences, leading to care that is culturally tailored and more likely to be effective.
Evidence Supporting the Benefits of Patient Engagement
Recent literature provides robust evidence supporting the benefits of patient engagement. For example, a systematic review by Dibben et al. (2018) found that active patient engagement led to improved clinical outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs.
In the context of childhood obesity, one study found that engagement of children and their caregivers in intervention programs led to improved dietary behaviors, increased physical activity, and reduced BMI percentile (Mehdizadeh et al., 2020).
Another study, by Chai et al. (2019) on a pediatric weight management program showed that high engagement in the program was associated with significant weight loss. The study also noted increased patient satisfaction and enhanced self-efficacy among the participating children and their families.
Information and Communication Technology in Consumer Health Literacy
Health literacy plays a pivotal role in understanding and managing health conditions. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools like mobile applications...…strategies will enable the healthcare sector to leverage technology effectively, enhance patient engagement, and improve health outcomes, particularly for those managing chronic conditions such as childhood obesity.
Mitigating the Risks
While health technology presents significant opportunities, it also poses potential risks that health care professionals must keep in mind, particularly when implementing cultural competency. Digital divide, privacy breaches, and exclusion of certain population groups are among the primary concerns affecting many populations today. Reducing these risks requires inclusive design, robust privacy policies, measures to increase digital literacy, and a consideration of all peoples needs and access points to technology.
Evidence shows that prior interventions, such as providing subsidized internet services and devices to underserved communities, have helped bridge the digital divide (Alkureishi et al., 2021). For ensuring privacy, the technologies need to be compliant with regulations such as HIPAA in the United States.
Conclusion
Addressing childhood obesity demands a patient-centered, evidence-based approach that prioritizes patient engagement. Healthcare technologies offer immense possibilities in improving patient engagement and health outcomes. However, they need to be leveraged strategically, considering cultural, linguistic, and ethical factors, and potential risks. Continued research and assessment of these technologies will guide their optimal use and contribute to…
References
Alkureishi, M. A., Choo, Z. Y., Rahman, A., Ho, K., Benning-Shorb, J., Lenti, G., ... & Lee, W.
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Chai, L. K., Collins, C., May, C., Brain, K., See, D. W., & Burrows, T. (2019). Effectiveness offamily-based weight management interventions for children with overweight and obesity: an umbrella review. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 17(7), 1341-1427.
Dibben, G.O., Dalal, H.M., Taylor, R.S., Doherty, P., Tang, L.H., & Hillsdon, M. (2018).
Cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity: systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart, 104(17), 1394–1402.
Gallagher, F. L., Koshy Thomas, B., Connor, L., Sinnott, L. T., & Melnyk, B. M. (2020). Theeffects of an intensive evidence-based practice educational and skills building program on EBP competency and attributes. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(1), 71–81.
Mehdizadeh, A., Nematy, M., Vatanparast, H., Khadem-Rezaiyan, M., & Emadzadeh, M.
(2020). Impact of parent engagement in childhood obesity prevention interventions on anthropometric indices among preschool children: a systematic review. Childhood Obesity, 16(1), 3-19.
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