Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

Introduction: In the US, obesity rates are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Rural access to treatment of obesity is limited by a lack of qualified clinicians and by transportation and financial barriers. We describe a telemedicine weight management programme, Wellness Connect, developed through a partnership of academic clinicians and rural primary care providers in South Carolina, and present utilisation and weight outcomes from seven patient cohorts. Methods: Eight bi-weekly sessions were provided via telemedicine videoconferencing for groups of patients at these rural primary care clinics. Protocol-based sessions were led by registered dietitians, exercise physiologists and clinical psychologists at a central urban location. Results: Of 138 patients who started the programme, 62% (N ¼ 86) of patients met the criteria for completion. Completers lost an average of 3.5% (standard deviation (SD) ¼ 3.9%) body weight, which was statistically significant (p <.001) and corresponded with an average loss of 3.8 kg (SD ¼ 4.5 kg). There were no differences in weight change among clinics (p ¼.972). Overall, patients and providers reported satisfaction with the programme and identified several challenges to sustainability. Discussion: The use of innovative telemedicine interventions continues to be necessary to alleviate barriers to accessing evidence-based services to reduce chronic diseases and decrease obesity rates among rural populations.

Journal

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecore

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X18789562

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