Healthcare delivery as a whole is on the cusp of fundamental changes, with many of these changes being driven by the prevalence and increasing burden of obesity-related health issues. As technology, data, and artificial intelligence become more integrated into medical care, healthcare professionals are beginning to recognize the need for new ways to deliver optimal long-term care for individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as obesity (Taber et al., 2018). In order for this shift in healthcare delivery to be successful, there must be an understanding of how best to leverage current tools while also identifying gaps that could benefit from additional investments.
One major change that needs to occur in the realm of healthcare delivery is a greater focus on prevention and early intervention. Obesity-related illnesses can often be prevented or managed through lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating habits and regular physical activity (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention [CDC], 2021). To ensure that these preventive measures are properly implemented among individuals at high risk for developing obesity-related diseases, primary care providers should be trained on how to identify patients who may require additional support. This would involve providing clear advice about nutrition and exercise along with access to resources such as dieticians, nutritionists or fitness instructors who specialize in working with high risk populations (Taber et al., 2018). Additionally, it could include proactive outreach efforts from providers regarding available community programs tailored towards promoting healthful behaviors.
Explain how health care delivery will adapt in the future to provide care for obesity-related health issues.
In addition to emphasizing prevention and early intervention strategies within patient care models; telehealth has emerged as another promising option when it comes to delivering optimal treatment options related to obesity. Telehealth platforms provide patients with remote access to clinicians specialist’s counselors or educators which can help facilitate better communication between provider and patient while also reducing overall costs associated with traditional office visits (Allison et al., 2019). Telemedicine can also offer access activities like mental health counseling which have been shown effective in treating conditions like binge eating disorder which are correlated with unhealthy weight gain (Ruggiero et al., 2017). Furthermore, virtual visits allow providers opportunities connect directly with overweight individuals who may not necessarily seek out clinical appointment due due stigmas associated with their condition(Taber et al.,2018).
Finally, technology can play an integral role when it comes improving outcomes related obesity-based illnesses . Electronic health records systems will continue gaining relevance over time allowing physicians instant access data related patient vital signs symptoms metabolic biomarkers medication compliance vital sign tracking and much more(Paietal2019).