Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Epic: A Game-Changer in Patient Care
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has taken a significant step in transforming healthcare by integrating specialized lifestyle medicine assessment tools into Epic’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. This innovative move ensures that healthcare professionals have access to essential resources, making it easier than ever to address the lifestyle factors influencing patient health.
The Suite of New Tools: What to Expect
With the newest version of Epic, clinicians can harness a variety of powerful lifestyle assessment tools designed to enhance patient engagement and care. Here’s a look at some of the pivotal resources that are now at doctors’ fingertips:
ACLM’s Lifestyle Medicine Short Form Assessment Tool
This clinical survey captures vital information regarding patient lifestyle behaviors and their readiness for change. It paves the way for insightful discussions, enabling healthcare providers to tailor interventions to individual patients.
Diet Screener
Every clinician knows that understanding a patient’s diet is essential in providing personalized care. The Diet Screener allows for quick assessment during routine appointments, enabling physicians to identify dietary patterns and make sound recommendations.
Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) Tool
Recommended by the Physical Activity Alliance, the PAVS tool offers a systematic way to evaluate physical activity levels in adults. This is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat sedentary lifestyles prevalent in today’s society.
Bridging the Gap in Therapeutic Lifestyle Interventions
Despite the potential benefits, therapeutic lifestyle interventions have often been underutilized. The ACLM identifies education gaps, misaligned payment structures, and systemic barriers as significant hurdles. By integrating these assessment tools, clinicians now have the opportunity to:
- Initiate meaningful conversations about lifestyle changes.
- Measure progress in lifestyle modifications.
- Recommend evidence-based lifestyle interventions as part of comprehensive care plans.
Voices of Change: Insights from Experts
Dr. David Michael, Medical Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at ECU Health, expressed his enthusiasm: “This advancement will empower us to shift from reactive ‘sick’ care to proactive ‘health’ care, leveraging new data at the point of care. The combination of data on lifestyle opportunities and the emerging power of artificial intelligence will revolutionize team-based primary care."
Additionally, Laurie Whitsel, Ph.D., National Vice President of Policy Research and Translation at the American Heart Association, highlighted the need for standardization in measures: “It is so important that we can have standardized measures for assessment in EHRs to support clinicians, improve patient care and health outcomes.”
Accessing the Tools: A Collaborative Approach
Healthcare organizations eager to implement these lifestyle assessment tools can collaborate with their Epic analysts. This ensures that clinicians can seamlessly integrate these resources into their workflow, enabling a holistic approach to patient health.
Epic’s Commitment to Quality Care
Luke Eberhardy, Epic MyChart Quality Manager, emphasizes the collaborative effort: “Epic is proud to partner with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to deliver high-quality tools, including collaboratively developed assessments. These resources empower clinicians to better understand patients’ statuses across key lifestyle pillars, creating informed, personalized plans to improve health and well-being.”
Conclusion: A Healthier Future Awaits
The integration of lifestyle medicine assessment tools into Epic’s EHR software marks a pivotal change in the healthcare landscape. With the ability to comprehensively understand and address lifestyle factors, clinicians are better equipped to foster healthier choices and significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases. As we advance towards a future centered on proactive health care, these innovations not only enhance patient experiences but also pave the way for a more informed and engaged healthcare community.
For further reading on lifestyle medicine and its impact, check out the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Physical Activity Alliance.
